Somatic Yoga and Meditation for Cancer Survivors With Pain From Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy syndrome (CIPN) causes significant pain in hands and feet and is an adverse effect of treatment. Few non-pharmacological interventions have been tested and individuals experience CIPN symptoms years after treatment. This is the first study to explore a somatic yoga and meditation (SYM) intervention on functional outcomes and quality of life in cancer survivors.

Pain is a common symptom associated with cancer; 75-90% of cancer patients experience pain during their illness and up to 50% of that pain is undertreated. Unrelieved pain leads to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy syndrome (CIPN) causes significant pain in hands and feet and is a common, adverse effect of several chemotherapeutic agents. It can lead to abrupt discontinuation of treatment, and severely affects the quality of life.

CIPN is a particularly important adverse effect because it may compromise the ability to tolerate chemotherapy and become a serious, long-lasting, and even permanent debility. CIPN symptoms may persist many years after treatment; together with worse function, greater disability, and more falls which is complicated by the aging process. Clinically, CIPN presents as deficits in sensory, motor, and function which develop in a glove and stocking distribution.

While chemotherapy improves the likelihood of disease-free survival, the result of CIPN may cause decreased walking speed and balance observed after the first chemotherapy cycle and progresses with cumulative exposure. These functional deficits are mirrored with increased symptom severity. CIPN is associated with potential fall risk with aging cancer survivors and increased functional disability.

Few interventions have been tested for impact from CIPN. Yoga is a popular movement therapy, often used by cancer survivors for symptom management. Several studies demonstrate the promising effects of yoga on sleep, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors. However, no study has rigorously investigated its effects on CIPN and quality of life.

This study will explore the preliminary therapeutic effects of an 8-week somatic based yoga and meditation (SYM) program and 15-25 cancer survivors with CIPN will be enrolled into a small pilot study. This will include 16 sessions of yoga designed specifically to minimize injury, promote flexibility/ balance and to allow you to maximize their specific functional goals. All types of cancer diagnoses resulting in CIPN will be enrolled in a single arm feasibility trial. SYM will be provided twice a week for 8 weeks for 1.5 hours. You will complete surveys at the beginning and end of 8 weeks and receive a home-based SYM and write journal entries to determine your perspectives of the intervention.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cancer survivors 18 years or older
* Any type or stage of cancer
* Completed chemotherapy treatment
* Mild Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active cancer disease
* Currently receiving cancer treatment
* Diabetes
* Prior history of peripheral neuropathy from other disease
* Risk factors for exercise (measured by Patient Activity Readiness Questionnaire)