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Neurological Sciences

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08-12-2023 | Vagus Nerve Stimulation | Original Article

Efficacy of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled exploratory study

Authors: Yifan Yang, Ran Zhang, Zhifang Zhong, Jun Li, Yi Feng

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Background

Chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse event in cancer patients, and there is still a lack of effective treatment. Transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a minimally invasive treatment, but there are few reports regarding its efficacy for CIPN.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of taVNS in patients with CIPN.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with CIPN were randomly divided into a taVNS group (n = 14) and a sham stimulation (SS) group (n = 13). A numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, NCICTCAE 4.0 (neurotoxicity classification), quantitative sensory test (QST), Short-Form-Health Survey-12 (SF-12), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were administered before the intervention (D-10) and on the day after the intervention (D0), and the inflammatory cytokines in plasma were also measured. The NRS, NCI-CTCAE 4.0, SF-12, and AIS were administered again at D30 and D90.

Results

Compared with the SS group, the NRS and AIS in the taVNS group were significantly lower at D0. The impact lasted until D30. There were no statistically significant differences in the NRS and AIS between the 2 groups at D90. On D30, the mental component score of the SF-12 was significantly higher in the taVNS group than in the SS group. No adverse events were found. There was no significant difference in QST and plasma inflammatory cytokines between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

taVNS can relieve chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in the short term, can improve sleep status and quality of life, and is expected to become a novel clinical treatment method for CIPN.

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Title: Efficacy of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled exploratory study
Authors: Yifan Yang
Ran Zhang
Zhifang Zhong
Jun Li
Yi Feng
Publication date: 08-12-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Cytostatic Therapy
Neuropathic Pain
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-07229-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Efficacy of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled exploratory study

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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