Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, dose-limiting adverse effect of agents such as taxanes and platinum compounds, affecting up to 70% of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy. While often considered within the domain of cancer pain, CIPN frequently manifests as predominantly sensory deficits numbness, tingling, and altered sensation rather than classic pain. These symptoms can severely impair function, diminish quality of life, and persist long after chemotherapy completion. Effective treatments remain limited, despite its prevalence and impact and there is a need to broaden supportive care approaches beyond pharmacological options.
This session aims to provide an overview of current approaches to CIPN management at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, with a particular focus on integrative and multimodal strategies that offer a coordinated, patient-centred approach. Findings from various studies on supportive strategies for CIPN will be highlighted. Results from an early intervention randomised controlled trial of electroacupuncture (EA) will be presented, demonstrating its feasibility, safety, and potential to modulate neuropathic changes during treatment. The session will also cover routine clinical screening for CIPN in everyday practice, preventive strategies such as cryotherapy with frozen gloves, and emerging approaches that combine EA with exercise and conventional medical care.
Together, these studies will demonstrate an evolving approach that integrates screening, prevention, and supportive care, and point toward a more comprehensive, patient-centred model for addressing CIPN in cancer care.