Tampa, FL — According to the National Cancer Institute, invasive breast cancer is anticipated to be diagnosed in 287,850 women in the U.S in 2022. The disease accounts for one in three new female cancers annually. While an estimated 43,780 will die from breast cancer, those 244,070 who survive may face another challenge—peripheral neuropathy from the use of taxane-based chemotherapy in the course of their cancer treatment.
Peripheral neuropathy, which is numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms and legs, affects approximately 40 percent of participants within two years of receiving their last taxane-based chemotherapy treatment. That means that over 1.5 million of the 3,800,000 breast cancer survivors living in the in the U.S. are facing this challenge. For ten percent of those patients, they symptoms are severe and life-changing. The most common names of taxane-based chemotherapies are Abraxane, Taxotere, and Taxol. They have been the therapy of choice for treating invasive breast cancer since the 1960s. Taxanes are the first line of treatment for breast cancer.
The National Institutes of Health funded Dr. Connie Visovsky, a Professor at the USF Health College of Nursing, to lead a research study to gauge the effects of a low-impact gait, balance and strength training exercise regimen to help alleviate the effects of peripheral neuropathy in these female breast cancer survivors. The Study, which is titled “Home-Based Physical Activity Interview (B-HAPI) for Persistent Taxane-Induced Neuropathy.” is now studying the effects the effects of this promising exercise program and will enroll a total of 312 women. Researchers hope to attract participants throughout Florida.
“All of these symptoms of neuropathy create a decreased quality of life and people aren’t able to do their daily activities. It causes difficulty walking and pain, so it’s important that we develop strategies that can be used to rehabilitate patients, and help them regain as close to normal functioning as possible,” said Dr. Constance, PhD, RN, ACNP, FAAN, Professor and Nurse Scientist at USF Health College of Nursing.
According to one participant who has completed the study, she has seen remarkable results.
“Thanks to the amazing research team, I am stronger physically and emotionally and peripheral neuropathy free after my breast cancer treatments. Taking part in the study improved my leg strength, my balance, and my outlook and helped me take control of my recovery,” said Margie Boyer.
USF College of Nursing is now actively seeking study participants. They must be women who are experiencing neuropathy after completing chemotherapy for breast cancer, and are eligible for $125 in compensation. The 16-week Study is low impact and appropriate for any fitness level. After a thorough evaluation at the USF College of Nursing Tampa Campus, participants are asked to incorporate one hour of exercise into their day using balancing techniques and strength-building Pilates flexbands. The Study requires only two on-site meetings with the research team. The rest of the program is completed in the participants’ homes.
To learn more, potential participants can visit www.bhapistudy.com, where they can register or can call the USF Health College of Nursing Research Team at 813-974-5117 to learn more.
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