Self-guided online cognitive behavioral strategies for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): A multicenter, single blind, randomized, wait-list controlled trial.

Abstract

e21710 Background: Four in 10 individuals receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy develop chronic painful CIPN, symptoms which negatively influence quality of life and physical function, and may require the withdrawal of effective chemotherapy. However, few recommended pharmacological and no effective non-pharmacological treatments for chronic painful CIPN exist. The purpose of the study was to examine the efficacy of an online cognitive behavioral pain management intervention, the PROactive Self-Management Program for Effects of Cancer Treatment ( PROSPECT), to reduce worst pain intensity in individuals with chronic painful CIPN. The secondary outcomes were average pain intensity, non-painful CIPN symptoms, and impaired function. Methods: Sixty patients with chronic painful CIPN were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive either 8 weeks of PROSPECT or usual care. A 7-day electronic worst CIPN pain intensity diary was completed at the baseline and eight week time points. At the same time points, participants completed electronic standardized measures of functional impairment, non-painful CIPN symptom severity, and average CIPN pain intensity. Mean change scores from baseline and eight week surveys were compared between groups using ANCOVA adjusting for baseline. Results: Individuals who received the PROSPECT intervention had a mean change in worst pain intensity of -0.94 ( SD = 1.36, Range = -3.29 – 1.29). Those in the control group had a mean change score of 0 ( SD = 1.31, Range = -3.43 – 2.86) ( p = 0.046; d = 0.53) ( n = 38). For the secondary outcomes, no significant mean change score differences were found between groups. Conclusions: PROSPECT use significantly improved worst pain intensity, but not secondary outcomes, in individuals with chronic painful CIPN. A larger study testing PROSPECT is needed to determine if improvements in worst pain intensity may be sustained, to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the secondary outcomes, and to identify mediators of pain-related improvement. If shown to be efficacious with further testing, PROSPECT may be added to pharmacological modalities for the treatment of chronic painful CIPN. Clinical trial information: NCT02760654.