Aerobic Exercise Found to Reduce Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy is widely used to treat cancer but can cause adverse effects. One is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, which can impair patients’ quality of life. Research published on 1 August 2023 in JAMA Network Open suggests that aerobic exercise may reduce these effects, offering particular hope for patients receiving treatment for ovarian cancer.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is an adverse effect caused by nerve damage from certain chemotherapy medicines. Patients often describe numbness, tingling or burning in their hands and feet. Its frequency varies with the medicine and dose. Platinum-based drugs, taxanes and chemotherapy medicines such as bortezomib may increase the risk.

Aerobic exercise refers to physical activities that noticeably raise the heart rate and breathing, allowing oxygen to reach muscles more effectively. Running, swimming and cycling are examples. These activities improve cardiovascular health, increase energy levels and build overall endurance.

There is no specific treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but various approaches may ease its symptoms. Painkillers, some medicines for anxiety or depression (such as duloxetine) and epilepsy medicines are commonly prescribed to relieve CIPN symptoms. Physiotherapy may also help manage symptoms.

The Aerobic Exercise Study

• Researchers assessed the effect of a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention on CIPN in women receiving ovarian cancer treatment.
• The analysis included 134 participants in the Women’s Activity and Lifestyle Study in Connecticut: 69 in the exercise intervention group and 65 in the control group.
• At baseline, the mean CIPN score was 8.1 in the exercise group and 8.8 in the control group.
• After 6 months, the CIPN score fell by 1.3 points in the exercise group and rose by 0.4 points in the control group. The between-group difference was -1.6 points.
• Among 127 patients who reported at least one CIPN symptom at baseline, the CIPN score fell by 1.6 points in the exercise group and rose by 0.4 points in the control group. The between-group difference amounted to a 2.0-point reduction.

Conclusion

This research suggests that aerobic exercise may play an important role in reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Its general health benefits are already known, but this study identifies an additional benefit for people receiving chemotherapy. Oncologists are therefore advised to recommend regular aerobic exercise to their patients. It may make treatment easier and improve quality of life.