Multimodal CIPN Therapy

Multimodal CIPN therapy helps manage CIPN. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most painful side effects of chemotherapy for the treatment of myeloma.

CIPN ranges from minimal, temporary tingling to full on, permanent nerve pain. Conventional treatments for CIPN are hit and miss with serious possible side effects.

In my experience as a long-term MM survivor who has studied this side effect of MM chemo for years, work with your oncologist to manage chemo vacations, dose reductions and combine this effort with non-conventional therapies discussed below.

The Five Best Supplements for Peripheral Neuropathy-

What are some non-conventional therapies for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy?

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing neuropathy symptoms by stimulating nerve repair and modulating pain pathways. Studies suggest it may help improve sensory function and reduce pain levels.

2. Physical Therapy and Exercise

Tailored physical therapy programs and gentle exercises, like yoga or tai chi, can improve balance, strength, and circulation, potentially alleviating CIPN symptoms.

3. Mind-Body Therapies

Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): These techniques can help patients manage pain and reduce stress associated with CIPN.
Biofeedback: Training to control physiological functions may reduce pain intensity.

4. Nutritional and Herbal Supplements

Alpha-lipoic acid: An antioxidant that has been studied for its neuroprotective effects.
Vitamin B complex (e.g., B6, B12): Supports nerve health, although high doses should be avoided due to potential toxicity.
Glutamine: Some evidence suggests it may reduce nerve damage.
Turmeric/Curcumin: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

5. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS therapy involves using electrical currents to stimulate nerves and may help reduce CIPN-related pain.

6. Cryotherapy

Cooling the hands and feet during chemotherapy (e.g., with frozen gloves or socks) has been shown to reduce the severity of CIPN by decreasing drug exposure to peripheral nerves.

7. Cannabinoids

Medical cannabis or CBD oil has been explored for neuropathic pain relief. Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits, though more research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

8. Topical Treatments

Capsaicin creams (derived from chili peppers) and menthol-based lotions may provide localized pain relief by desensitizing pain receptors.

9. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Also known as photobiomodulation, LLLT uses light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation, showing potential benefits in small studies.

10. Rehabilitation Technologies

Devices such as vibratory stimulation platforms or virtual reality-based therapy may improve nerve function and reduce symptoms.

11. Psychological Support

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients cope with chronic pain and improve quality of life.

Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com with questions about managing multiple myeloma.

Thank you,

David Emerson

MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Multimodal Therapeutic Exercises and Their Role in Mitigating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Longitudinal Study on Patient Outcomes

Introduction

A common side effect post chemotherapy is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a multimodal exercise program compared to standard physical therapy in treating CIPN symptoms and improving daily living skills.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of multimodal therapeutic exercises and their role in mitigating CIPN symptoms on the neuropathy score and instrumental activities of daily living.

Methodology

Seventy-eight participants were divided into two groups: multimodal exercise program (Group A) and standard physical therapy (Group B) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of age 25-55 years with CIPN (grade 2 or 3). Pre- and post-assessment was done using the modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS) and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (L-IADL)

Results

A significant improvement in the mTNS was seen in Group A (14.68 ± 1.66 to 7.03 ± 1.49, p<0.0001) compared to Group B (14.98 ± 1.54 to 13.66 ± 1.34, p=0.00116). L-IADL scores also showed more improvement in Group A (7.54 to 11.23, p<0.0001) versus Group B (5.51 to 7.35, p=0.001). A statistically significant improvement was seen (p<0.0001) for both outcome measures post-intervention….

The result of the present study correlates with the study of Zimmer et al. who proved that a multimodal therapeutic exercise had a significant role in the improvement of balance, strength, and QOL; thus an overall improvement in these outcomes might also have resulted in improvement in the activities of daily living [14].

The present study focuses on the protocol which focuses on

aerobic training,
strength training,
and balance training;

thus due to a multimodal approach, there is reduction in the symptoms of CIPN which in turn might have an improvement in the IADL. Another factor might be the focus on strength training which improved the strength of muscles thus helping in improving the instrumental activities of daily living.

Conclusions

Thus, from the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the multimodal therapeutic exercise program helps to reduce the symptoms of CIPN and improve the IADL.

However, the multimodal therapeutic exercise program which focuses on a multidimensional treatment approach of aerobic exercises, resistance training, and balance training helps to reduce the symptoms of CIPN and improve the IADL more effectively.”

Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission