What are your views on cooling therapy to prevent chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy?

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a very common side effect with certain chemotherapy drugs. CIPN can present as tingling, numbness or even pain, usually on hands and feet. There are no evidenced based measures or drugs which can help prevent the development of CIPN. It can be acute and short lived, but it can also persist several months after finishing the treatment.

There have been several studies in the last few years looking at the effect of cold on hands and feet as a way to prevent CIPN. These studies have shown promising results, not only with the reduction of more severe CIPN but also improvement for those patients who had already developed CIPN.

The Royal Marsden has managed to secure a device for 6 months with Hilotherm. The Hilotherm® Chemocare device is a regional cooling system that uses cuffs and piping for the hands and feet through which the coolant flows at a temperature of 10 °C. Hilotherm requires 30 minutes of pre-cooling, cooling throughout infusion of CIPN causing drug.

We are interested in learning more about the experiences of patients who have used Hilotherm Chemocare, as well as those who have developed CIPN but have not yet tried it. Your feedback will be valuable in helping us advance this project. Please share your experiences below. If you want to be involved in further stages of this project please subscribe on the 'Stay informed' box to the right of this page.