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NCT Number: NCT07673614

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial tests how well a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) works to treat chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors. CIPN is numbness, tingling, pain, and movement problems that can develop after chemotherapy as a result of changes to the nerves. A non-invasive form of brain stimulation called tDCS, applied to the area of the brain involved in sensation and movement, can temporarily improve the ability to detect vibration and temperature, as well as balance and walking, which may improve sensation and reduce pain in cancer survivors with CIPN.

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Key information

Conditions

Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System Neoplasm Malignant Solid Neoplasm

Age range

18 year–85 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

Location contact

Brendan L. McNeish

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Eshaka Eshwar

CONTACT

[email protected]

734-232-5901

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 18 to 85 years of age
  • Diagnosis of cancer, stages I-IV
  • Cancer survivor (not currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy)
  • Presence of CIPN defined as new, length-dependent numbness, tingling, and/or pain that developed with neurotoxic chemotherapy
  • CIPN20 score ≥ 20
  • Able to walk unassisted
  • Proficient in English

Exclusion criteria

  • Known brain metastases
  • Known neurological conditions aside from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
  • History of brain or spinal surgery
  • Neuropathy other than CIPN
  • Significant hearing or vision deficits
  • Vestibulopathy
  • Currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy
  • Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), including recent seizures
  • Presence of metallic objects in the head
  • Presence of specific implanted medical devices (e.g., deep brain stimulator, cochlear implant, vagus nerve stimulator, spinal cord stimulator, pacemakers, and intracardiac devices)
  • Active scalp dermatological conditions

Treatment and study plan

sham intervention

Procedure

Undergo sham tDCS

Other names: sham (procedure), Sham Comparator

Survey Administration

Other

Ancillary studies

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Device

Undergo tDCS

Other names: tDCS

Primary outcomes

  1. Vibration detection threshold

    Time frame: at weeks 2 and 3

    Assessed via Vibration Detection Threshold (CASE IV): Quantitative sensory testing (QTS) for large fiber function. Will conduct a series of two-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) with each of the vibratory thresholds, cold thresholds, and physical function measures as the dependent variables. Group (active transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS] versus sham tDCS) and time (baseline, immediate post) will be included as fixed factors of interest along with their interaction to assess treatment effects over time.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cold detection threshold

    Time frame: at weeks 2 and 3

    Assessed via Cold Detection Threshold (CASE IV): QST for small fiber function. Will conduct a series of two-way ANOVAs with each of the vibratory thresholds, cold thresholds, and physical function measures as the dependent variables. Group (active tDCS versus sham tDCS) and time (baseline, immediate post) will be included as fixed factors of interest along with their interaction to assess treatment effects over time.

  2. Correlation between executive function and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) severity

    Time frame: At baseline

    Assessed with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-CIPN20. Will use multivariable models with CIPN20 as the dependent variable, executive function as the primary predictor, and sural amplitude as a covariate. Additional covariates will include age, sex, depression, and pain.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Eshaka Eshwar

CONTACT

[email protected]

734-232-5901

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Improving Sensorimotor Function in CIPN: A Randomized, Sham Controlled, Double Blinded, Crossover Mechanistic Trial of Transcranial Direct Current to the Sensorimotor Cortex

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Jun 29, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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