Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy - Additional Evaluation in Breast Cancer Survivors

This study focuses on a scoring system designed to help doctors understand nerve damage (called peripheral neuropathy) in women who have had breast cancer. Many breast cancer patients receive a type of chemotherapy called taxane-based chemotherapy, often followed by radiotherapy. These treatments can sometimes lead to nerve damage, which can be uncomfortable. The main aim of this research is to figure out the best score on this new system to tell the difference between women who have no nerve damage and those who have mild nerve damage. By finding this 'cut-off' score, doctors hope to better identify nerve problems early, which could lead to better management and support for patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Breast Cancer

What is this study about?

When you have breast cancer, your treatment might include operations, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy helps to kill cancer cells, but sometimes it can have side effects. One common side effect of a specific type of chemotherapy, called taxane-based chemotherapy, is nerve damage. This is known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or CIPN for short. It can cause tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness, usually in your hands and feet. Radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, is also a common treatment after breast surgery.

At the moment, it can be quite tricky for doctors to consistently measure and track nerve damage, especially in its early stages. This study is testing a new 'scoring system' that our research team has developed. Think of it like a questionnaire or a set of observations that helps medical staff rate how much nerve damage a person might have. The main purpose is to find a clear point on this scoring system that helps to tell if someone has just a little bit of nerve damage or none at all.

Finding this 'cut-off' score is really important. If doctors can identify nerve damage earlier and more precisely, they might be able to offer support or adjust treatments more effectively. This could help improve how patients feel during and after their cancer treatment. This study is about making sure this new tool works well, so that eventually, it can help more people living with the after-effects of breast cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

The study looks at a new scoring system for nerve damage after breast cancer treatment.
It focuses on women who had taxane-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The goal is to find the best score to tell the difference between no nerve damage and mild nerve damage.
This could help doctors better manage nerve problems in the future.
Participation involves assessments, not new medication.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who have had breast cancer. To join, you must be at least 18 years old and have been treated with a specific type of chemotherapy called taxane-based chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy. It's important that you currently have either no nerve damage, or only mild nerve damage, as measured by a special test called the Total Neuropathy Score.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain skin conditions on your legs, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if the doctors think you might not be able to stick to the study's plan, you wouldn't be eligible.

Ultimately, the research team needs to make sure that everyone who joins the study can give their informed consent, which means understanding what the study involves and agreeing to take part voluntarily.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Did I receive taxane-based chemotherapy AND radiotherapy for my breast cancer?
Do I have no nerve damage, or only mild nerve damage, in my hands or feet?
Am I female and 18 years old or older?
Am I not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The specific details of taking part aren't fully described, but generally, studies like this involve a visit to the clinic where you would be assessed. This assessment would likely use the new scoring system being tested, along with other standard ways to check for nerve damage. There would probably be no need for new medication, as the focus is on evaluating a scoring system.

The total duration of your participation would depend on the study design, but if it's just about evaluating a score, it might involve one or two visits to complete the assessments. Follow-up visits might be required to see if the scoring system continues to work well over time.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is helping researchers improve how nerve damage from chemotherapy is identified and managed. This could lead to better outcomes for future breast cancer patients. As the study focuses on evaluating a scoring system rather than giving new treatments, the direct risks are expected to be very low, possibly involving minor discomfort during assessments or the time taken for appointments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Luebeck
Verified postcode
Lübeck, Germany

Common questions

What is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)?

CIPN is nerve damage that can happen as a side effect of some chemotherapy drugs, causing tingling, numbness, or pain, often in the hands and feet.

What kind of breast cancer treatment is this study looking at?

This study focuses on nerve damage in women who have had specific chemotherapy called taxane-based chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy for breast cancer.

What is a 'scoring system'?

It's like a special checklist or set of questions doctors use to measure and track how severe nerve damage might be. This study wants to find the best 'score' on it.

Will I get a new medicine if I join?

No, this study is about testing a scoring system, not trying new medications. You would continue with your usual medical care.

Why is this research important?

It aims to help doctors identify nerve damage earlier and more accurately, which could improve support and management for people after breast cancer treatment.

How to find out more

Dirk Rades, Prof. Dr. med., FASTRO

dirk.rades@uksh.de 0049-451500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.