Wearable Focal Vibration for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

This is an initial Phase I single-site, single-arm, double-baseline repeated measures feasibility study of wearable focal vibration (FV with Myovolt) for persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. We will enroll up to 15 cancer survivors who are cancer-free and meet all other inclusion/ exclusion criteria, including CIPN symptoms at least 3 months after final chemotherapy infusion. Participants will undergo baseline assessments (V1) of questionnaires and performance tests, and may repeat these tests within a few days as a double-baseline (V2). In addition, they complete 7-days of baseline symptom monitoring by diary before starting 6 weeks of daily at-home therapy with a Myovolt wearable FV device. A study coach will check in by phone or video calls during the intervention period. Participants undergo post-testing immediately after the 6-week intervention (V3), and after another 6 weeks without FV (V4). In total, participants attend 3-4 onsite study visits, a 6-week intervention period with weekly remote check-in contact from the study team, and a 6-week intervention-free follow-up period with at least one remote check-in. Participants will keep a provided daily symptom diary during the primary study period (i.e., 6 weeks), and at least weekly in the 6-week follow-up period.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older
• Cancer patients with current symptoms of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet, persisting for at least 3 months after completion of chemotherapy, and not substantially improving in recent weeks. The CIPN must be painful, or severe enough to interfere with function, activities, or participation (generally NCI-CTCAE Grade II)
• Clinically stable to participate in study assessments and the intervention (at a minimum, able to stand independently from a chair and walk household distances without help from another person)
• Able to read and speak English, give a voluntary written consent
• Sufficient cognition to consent, confirmed by recall of key study points
• Use of pain medications (opioids, anti-convulsants, and antidepressants) must be stable in the two weeks prior to study enrollment, and the participant must agree to avoid significant changes in pain medication regimen during the period of active study participation, and to notify the study team if medications change

Exclusion criteria

• Neuropathy (known or suspected) of any etiology other than chemotherapy or diabetes (for example, due to alcohol, vitamin deficiency, autoimmune disorder, CMT, idiopathic
• Unsafe/unable to self-apply the focal vibration intervention for any reason (for example, insufficient hand dexterity or cognitive executive function
• Recent or fluctuating musculoskeletal injury or lesion that would impact physical performance
• Lower limb deficiency/amputations
• Pregnant, or planning to get pregnant in the next 6 months. Pre-menopausal females who enroll agree to notify the study team as soon as possible should they become pregnant