Abstract
Aim: To investigate the usefulness of compression therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods: This study included 40 limbs of 20 patients with CIPN. In 30 limbs wearing compression garments and 10 limbs receiving no compression, the CIPN symptoms of “numbness and pain” were evaluated using the face pain scale (FPS), before and immediately and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after starting compression. Results: In the compressed limbs, the mean FPS scores immediately and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after starting compression were 1.7, 1.6, 1.8, and 1.8 points, respectively, which were all significantly lower than the 3.0-point score before compression (p<0.01). The FPS scores in limbs receiving no compression remained unchanged. The FPS score change was higher in limbs with edema, lower limbs, and limbs with a high pre-compression FPS score and was not associated with age, history of cellulitis, type of anticancer agents, and length of time after completion of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that reduction of fluid (blood, lymph, interstitial fluid) stasis, improvement of microcirculation, and protection/supporting/stabilizing of surrounding tissues by compression therapy may be effective in alleviating symptoms and preventing aggravation after the onset of CIPN.
