Study on Early Assessment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Ovarian Cancer and Intervention Effect of Cold Compress on Extremities

Abstract

Objective: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) often restricts the use of anti-cancer drugs due to its status as one of common toxic side effects. However, the precise pathogenesis of CIPN remains unclear, leading to a lack of definitive and effective preventative or treatment strategies. Accordingly, this study aims to assess CIPN early in ovarian cancer (OC) patients while exploring the impact of cold compress therapy on their extremities. The goal is to provide additional evidence to prevent and mitigate this toxic side effect. Methods: The study included 100 OC patients from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, all undergoing chemotherapy with a paclitaxel and platinum-based regimen. Participants were divided into an intervention group (IG, n = 50, receiving cold compress treatment) and a control group (CG, n = 50, receiving standard chemotherapy care). The main evaluation measures were the total neuropathy score-clinical version (TNSc) and electromyography. We observed the incidences of CIPN after the second, fourth, and sixth chemotherapy courses, as well as at six months and one-year post-chemotherapy. Concurrently, blood samples were collected after the second, fourth, and sixth courses to measure nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. This helped evaluate the relationship between NGF and CIPN and whether serum NGF can predict early chemotherapy-induced peripheral nerve damage. Results: The IG, when compared with the CG, exhibited noticeably lower incidences of CIPN and TNSc after the second, fourth, and sixth chemotherapy courses, as well as at six months and one-year post-chemotherapy (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, both the motor conduction velocity (MCV) and sensory conduction velocity (SCV) of the IG were significantly higher than the CG after the fourth course (p < 0.001). After the second, fourth, and sixth courses, NGF levels in the IG were higher than that in the CG (p < 0.05). R analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between NGF and TNSc after the second, fourth, and sixth courses (p < 0.001). Conclusions: NGF can serve as a valuable tool for early assessment of CIPN. Additionally, using a cold compress on extremities effectively decreases the incidence of CIPN and is worthy of further endorsement. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300074397.