Category Archives: Chemotherapy

Galileo Reduces Upper-Limb Dysfunction & Fatigue

Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Apr 1:1534735418766615. [Epub ahead of print]

Results From a PilotStudyof Handheld Vibration: Exercise Intervention Reduces Upper-Limb Dysfunction and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: VibBRaStudy.

Kneis S, Wehrle A, Ilaender A, Volegova-Neher N, Gollhofer A, Bertz H.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Although there is evidence that breastcancerpatientsbenefit from exercising during treatment, exercising during radiotherapyand especially the effects on upper-limbdysfunctions have been infrequently assessed. Therefore, we primarily aimed to confirm our interventions’ feasibility and secondarily aimed to affect upper-limbdysfunctions and fatigue.

METHODS:

Twenty-twobreastcancerpatientsscheduled for radiotherapywere allocated to an intervention(IG) or a passive control group (CG) as they preferred. IG exercised 3×/week during 6 weeks of radiotherapy: cycling endurance, handheldvibration, and balance training. We documented adverse events and training compliance (feasibility) and assessed the range of shoulder motion (ROM), isometric hand grip strength, vibrationsense on the first metacarpophalangeal joint of the affected upper limb, and fatigue.

RESULTS:

We observed no adverse events and a training compliance of 98 %. IG’s ROM improved significantly (abduction: 11°; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5 to 20; external rotation: 5°, 95% CI 0 to 10), as did the hand grip strength (1.6 kg, 95% CI -0.6 to 3.1), while CG’s ROM did not change

CG’svibrationsense worsened (-1.0 points, 95% CI -1.5 to -0.5), while IG’s remained stable.

Changes in general fatiguelevels between IG (-2.0 points, 95% CI -3.0 to -1.0) and CG (0.5 points, 95% CI -1.0 to 4.5) revealed significant differences ( P = .008)

CONCLUSIONS:

Ourinterventionproved to be feasible and provides novel findings: it reduced fatiguelevels and interestingly, handheldvibrationexercises improved upper-limbfunction due to shoulder ROM, hand grip strength, and vibrationsense.

PMID: 29661032 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418766615

Chemotherapy-related Peripheral Neuropathy

Exp Hematol Oncol, 2017; 6(): 5, PMID: 28194306 external link

A randomized exploratory phase 2 study in patients with chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathy evaluating whole-body vibration training as adjunct to an integrated program including massage, passive mobilization and physical exercises.

Schonsteiner SS, Bauder Missbach H, Benner A, Mack S, Hamel T, Orth M, Landwehrmeyer B, Sussmuth SD, Geitner C, Mayer-Steinacker R, Riester A, Prokein A, Erhardt E, Kunecki J, Eisenschink AM, Rawer R, Dohner H, Kirchner E, Schlenk RF
grid.410712.1Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Ulm, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN) is a common toxicity after chemotherapy, immunomodulatory drugs or proteasome inhibitors, which is difficult to treat and may also have impact on quality of life. The objective of the study was to evaluate whole-body vibration (WBV) on the background of an integrated program (IP) including massage, passive mobilization and physical exercises on CIPN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an exploratory phase-2 study patients with CIPN (NCI CTC grade 2/3) were randomized for WBV plus IP (experimental) to IP alone (standard). 15 training sessions within 15 weeks were intended. As primary endpoint we used chair-rising test (CRT) to assess physical fitness and coordination. In addition, locomotor and neurological tests and self-assessment tools were performed.

RESULTS: A total 131 patients with CIPN were randomized (standard, n = 65; experimental, n = 66). The median age was 60 (range 24-71) years; 44 patients had haematological neoplasms and 87 solid tumors. At baseline, all patients presented with an abnormal CRT. Fifteen (standard) and 22 (experimental) patients left the program due to progression/relapse or concomitant disease. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with normal CRT (<10 s) at follow up between experimental (68%) and standard (56%) (p = 0.20). All patients experienced less symptoms and pain (p < 0.001) and had improved CRT (p < 0.001) over time. WBV was significantly associated with a higher reduction of time needed for CRT (p = 0.02) and significantly improved warm-detection-threshold comparing baseline to follow-up assessment (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Whole-body vibration on the background of an IP may improve physical fitness and coordination in patients suffering from CIPN. Trial registration Retrospectively registered at http://www.iscrtn.com (ISRCTN 51361937) and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02846844).