Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy with a Novel Cooling Method (P-Cool)

Purpose and goal

To measure, evaluate and implement a novel, comfortable and adaptable cooling system to prevent nerve damage in hands and feet caused by chemotherapy for cancer patients. Goals are to 1) provide a safe, sustainable method for effective, gentle cooling (cryotherapy) which can contribute to reducing complications and discomfort from nerve damage, leading to more effective chemotherapy, improved quality of life, and reduced pain for cancer patients, and 2) develop smart and sustainable workflows.

Expected effects and result

Reduced risk for patients to suffer from nerve damage (CIPN) as a complication of chemotherapy, increased comfort during preventive cooling treatment (cryotherapy) and increased chance to complete their full cancer treatment without dose reduction or interruption. From a healthcare perspective, more patients receiving their complete planned cancer treatment may lead to more effective cancer treatments, fewer complications, improved quality of life and reduced long-term pain.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is conducted in a clinical setting and includes: 1) measurement of current cooling treatment, 2) pilot testing of the new method, focusing on user experience, 3) comparison of the new method with standard care in a clinical RCT study, and 4) development of sustainable workflows through iterative co-creation. Data collection includes skin temperature, patient-reported pain and CIPN, and relevant biomarkers. Participants are patients and nuses in oncology care.