Temperature-controlled hand-foot cooling for prevention of chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN): Updated real-world data collection in 600 patients.

Abstract

e24181 Background: Advancements in oncology have significantly improved overall survival rates for cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer. Consequently, the long-term side effects of chemotherapy —still a cornerstone of cancer treatment—on patients’ quality of life (QoL) are gaining increasing attention. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect of taxanes (paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel, docetaxel). CIPN can significantly reduce QoL and may lead to dose delays, reductions, or even treatment discontinuation. Reported incidence rates of grade 2–3 CIPN reach up to 30% - 50% taxane-based regimens, which are frequently used in breast cancer treatment. Temperature-controlled hand-foot cooling (Hilotherapy) has shown potential in preventing CIPN and is an established component of supportive care in our department. We present the results of our real-world data collection on 580 breast cancer patients who received prophylactic Hilotherapy during chemotherapy. Methods: Temperature-controlled hand-foot cooling with Hilotherm ChemoCare CIPN (Hilotherapy) was used as a standard supportive care during each neurotoxic chemotherapy session. The standard procedure involved cooling the extremities for 30 minutes before, during and 30 minutes after chemotherapy infusion. The device temperature was set to 15–17°C, resulting in a consistent skin surface temperature of 18–20°C. CIPN symptoms were assessed at each treatment cycle according to CTCAE V5.0 criteria. Patients were stratified by taxane dosing schedule (weekly vs. three-weekly). Results: To date 503 of the planned 600 patients have completed chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, a total of 455 (90,5%) developed none or mild symptoms (highest grade: grade 0 = 32,2%, grade 1 = 58,3%). Grade 2 CIPN occurred in 47 patients (9,3%), while two patients reported grade 3 symptoms (0,4%). Conclusions: Temperature-controlled hand-foot cooling (Hilotherapy) effectively prevented ≥ grade 2 CIPN in over 90% of breast cancer patients. This method is a simple, well-tolerated and easily implementable supportive care strategy. Follow-up shows the long-term sustainability.