REACT-CIPN: a study to assess the feasibility of a behavioural intervention for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Background and study aims
The REACT-CIPN study is focused on determining the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that investigates an intervention to alleviate the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In this study, participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group that receives the intervention being tested or a comparison/control group that receives a placebo or conventional treatment. The primary goal is to assess whether the intervention can effectively reduce and mitigate the impact of CIPN symptoms. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of conducting such a trial. The REACT-CIPN behavioural intervention has been co-designed and developed by patients and staff at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTFT) with the intention of providing patients with strategies for managing symptoms. The intervention is compromised of two components: a printed booklet that is given to the participant before chemotherapy starts and a short film that is delivered during or after cycle 2 of treatment.
Who can participate?
Adult patients aged over 18 years old who have been diagnosed with breast or colorectal cancer
What does the study involve?
This is a single-centre study that will be conducted at GSTFT. The REACT-CIPN intervention will be compared with standard care (the control condition) and patients will be randomised to either standard care and intervention or standard care alone in a 1:1 ratio. In addition, clinician participants will be recruited to explore their views about delivering the intervention or delivering CIPN information as standard care.
Clinicians involved in the delivery of REACT-CIPN intervention will receive appropriate training. Patients will be enrolled in the study for up to 12-24 weeks i.e. from the start of chemotherapy treatment until the end of treatment.