Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hot Packs for Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Adults Receiving Platinum and Paclitaxel

What this Trial Is About

Chemotherapy with platinum and taxane drugs often causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy CIPN, affecting 73% to 83% of patients. This condition can limit daily activities, cause injuries, and negatively impact quality of life. Western medicine currently lacks effective clinical treatments, so this study evaluates traditional Chinese medicine hot packs as a potential treatment for CIPN by comparing nerve damage levels between patients receiving this treatment and a control group. The study randomly assigned 90 patients into two groups of 45 each. The control group received standard chemotherapy with paclitaxel and platinum administered at 180 mlh along with routine health guidance. The intervention group received the same chemotherapy and nursing care plus traditional Chinese medicine hot pack treatment applied to acupuncture points, with home care education provided via a WeChat group. Treatment involved fixing a heated herbal package at 40-50 C on acupuncture points for 30 minutes daily, avoiding treatment on chemotherapy days and the day after. Participants are assessed for peripheral neuropathy symptoms 14 days after every two chemotherapy cycles using patient-reported scales including NCI-CTCAE, FACTGOG-Ntx, and KPSS scores. Researchers measure sensory and motor neuropathy along with numbness, tingling, joint pain, hearing difficulties, pace impairment, and fine sensation over six months. The study includes continuous safety monitoring and aims to evaluate the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine hot packs alongside routine care over this period.

A Stuty on the Treatment and Nursing Care of CIPN Patients With Traditional Chinese Medicine Hot Package