RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exploration of Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers of Chemo-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: a Study in Cancer Patients

This research aims to understand why some people getting chemotherapy for cancer develop nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. Scientists are looking at tiny molecules in the blood called microRNAs. They want to find out if these molecules can tell us how often and how severely this nerve damage might happen. This study focuses on patients with lung cancer receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy and those with bowel cancer receiving oxaliplatin chemotherapy, as these drugs are known to affect the nerves. By studying these microRNAs, researchers hope to find new ways to predict, prevent, or treat this common and sometimes painful side effect of cancer treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

Start

29 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2028

Cancer, Lung Colon Neoplasm Neuropathy;Peripheral

What is this study about?

When people have cancer, chemotherapy is a common treatment. While it works hard to fight cancer, it can sometimes cause side effects. One common side effect is nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, which can cause tingling, numbness, or pain, usually in the hands and feet. This study wants to understand this better.

Researchers are looking at something called microRNAs. These are tiny molecules in your blood that play a role in how your body works. The team wants to see if certain microRNAs are linked to getting nerve damage from chemotherapy, and if they can show how serious that damage might be. They are focusing on people with lung cancer who are having a chemotherapy called paclitaxel, and people with bowel cancer having a chemotherapy called oxaliplatin. These specific chemotherapy drugs are known to sometimes cause nerve problems.

By finding out if there's a link between these microRNAs and nerve damage, the scientists hope to learn more about why this side effect happens. This could eventually help doctors predict who might get nerve damage so they can offer better support or different treatments, making chemotherapy easier for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying tiny blood molecules (microRNAs) to understand chemotherapy nerve damage.
The study focuses on patients with lung cancer (paclitaxel) and bowel cancer (oxaliplatin) chemotherapy.
It aims to find new ways to predict or explain why nerve damage happens.
Participation involves providing blood samples and answering questions about symptoms.
You will continue to receive your standard cancer treatment.
This research hopes to improve care for future cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and currently receiving or about to start specific types of chemotherapy for lung cancer or bowel cancer. If you have lung cancer, you must be getting a chemotherapy called paclitaxel for at least 4 cycles. If you have bowel cancer, you must be getting a chemotherapy called oxaliplatin for at least 6 cycles.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you already have conditions that affect your nerves, like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or have had a stroke. You also can't join if you already have existing nerve problems or pain that is rated moderately severe or worse (a score of 4 out of 10 or higher).

Finally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are unable to make decisions for yourself (for example, if you have a legal guardian), you wouldn't be able to take part in this study.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you receiving or about to start paclitaxel for lung cancer (at least 4 cycles)?
OR are you receiving or about to start oxaliplatin for bowel cancer (at least 6 cycles)?
Do you have a medical condition affecting your nerves (like Parkinson's or a previous stroke)? (If yes, you may not be eligible)
Do you already have significant nerve problems or pain (rated 4 out of 10 or higher)? (If yes, you may not be eligible)
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? (If yes, you are not eligible)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve receiving new medications or treatments. If you choose to take part, you would continue to receive your standard chemotherapy for your cancer. The main part of your involvement would be providing blood samples at certain times during and after your chemotherapy treatment. These blood samples will be used to measure the levels of microRNAs and another marker called neurofilament light chain.

You would also be asked to complete questionnaires or assessments that help us understand if you are experiencing any nerve damage, how severe it is, and if you are having any pain. This will help researchers connect the changes in your blood to any symptoms you might have. The total duration of your participation would depend on your chemotherapy schedule and possibly a follow-up period to see how nerve damage develops over time. There will be no extra visits specifically for the research beyond your planned hospital appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, as it could help researchers better understand and potentially prevent or treat nerve damage in future cancer patients. While there isn't a direct personal benefit for you, your contribution is valuable to advancing medical knowledge. The risks involved are generally low and mainly include the minor discomfort and bruising from blood samples, which are common and usually temporary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care. Your decision to participate or not will always be respected.

Locations (1)

CHU Clermont-Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are microRNAs?

MicroRNAs are tiny molecules found in your blood that help control how your body works. Researchers believe they might show why some people get nerve damage from chemotherapy.

What is nerve damage (neuropathy)?

Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. It can cause tingling, numbness, or pain, usually in your hands and feet.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this study does not involve any new treatments. You will continue to receive your regular chemotherapy as planned by your medical team.

What will I have to do if I join?

If you join, you will provide blood samples during your chemotherapy and complete questionnaires about any nerve symptoms or pain you might experience.

Will this study help me directly?

While this study won't change your current treatment, the information gained could help doctors better predict and manage nerve damage for future patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How to find out more

Lise Laclautre

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr 334.73.754.963 Official trial record

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