mHealth App for Caregiver Instruction in Manual Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
This clinical trial assesses the impact of a family caregiver-delivered massage technique for use in cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is a common cancer treatment side effect that impairs quality of life and daily functioning. Aside from the relatively transient effects of chemotherapy treatment (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, infections, fatigue, hair loss), chemotherapy can damage nervous system structures leading to long-term CIPN effects including numbness in hands or feet, pins and needles or sudden stabbing pains, difficulty buttoning clothing or picking up objects, loss of balance and risk of falling, difficulty driving (steering wheel, foot pedals), and increased sensitivity to heat or cold. Caregivers who lack effective strategies of supportive care are at risk of feeling helpless, overwhelmed or frustrated watching their loved one suffer. Oncology massage (OM) teaches oncology-informed modifications, adaptations and safety precautions for a cancer survivor's specific condition, treatment history and side effects. An mobile health application (app) for caregivers can teach care for CIPN using safe oncology-informed massage techniques at home. Using the Peripheral Neuropathy Relief (PNR) program in the form of relaxation may help for stress reduction, reduced CIPN symptoms, and/or an increased sense of connection with patients and their family caregiver.
• 18+ years of age.
• Must speak and read English.
• Have internet access.
• PATIENTS: Must have received platinum and/or taxane chemotherapy for adjuvant treatment of a solid tumor.
• PATIENTS: Screens positive for moderate to severe CIPN with a 4+ on a 0-10 scale, with 0 being no numbness/tingling or pain in hands or feet and 10 being most severe imaginable.
• PATIENTS: Last chemo dose must be 6+ months in the past (symptoms persist in 30% of recipients \> 6 months, this assures those with established chronicity are included, reducing likelihood of spontaneous improvement). Also, no new chemotherapy should be anticipated during the study course.
• PATIENTS: Must have internet access.
• CAREGIVERS: Members of the patient's natural social support system including spouse, intimate partner, other family member (adult child, parent, other relative), friend or other lay person designated by the patient who agrees to serve as caregiver for the activities of the project.