Yoga for Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment (YCT) Trial

PROJECT SUMMARY Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most harmful, common, painful, and disabling side effects of many chemotherapy agents and there is no effective treatment for it. Our pilot phase IIB two-arm trial showed that yoga treatment is associated with reduced CIPN pain and reduced risk of falls compared to usual care control. We aim to increase cancer patients’ function and quality of life by identifying effective treatments to alleviate chemotherapy-related toxicities. The goal of the proposed project is to determine the efficacy of yoga in treating CIPN pain and improving function, as well as to improve sensory nerve recovery and reduce the risk of falls in cancer survivors suffering from moderate to severe CIPN pain. We will conduct a phase III, randomized, education and usual care- controlled trial with 268 participants to: 1) determine the efficacy of an eight-week yoga treatment on CIPN symptoms among cancer survivors with moderate to severe CIPN pain; 2) evaluate the effect of yoga versus education control and usual care on improving flexibility and reducing the risk of falls; and 3) evaluate the effect of yoga versus education control and usual care on quality of life and sensory fiber functioning.