What Is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) – And Can It Be Prevented?

At Hilotherm, we are deeply committed to supporting patients through every stage of their treatment journey - including the difficult side effects that often come with life-saving therapies like chemotherapy. One such side effect is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a condition that affects thousands of cancer patients each year.

In this blog, we explain what CIPN is, why it occurs, how it impacts daily life, and what current research says about preventing chemotherapy-induced nerve damage - including promising strategies involving controlled cooling therapy.

What Is CIPN?

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a form of nerve damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. It primarily affects the peripheral nerves - those outside the brain and spinal cord, which control sensation and movement in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.

CIPN can develop during or after chemotherapy, sometimes persisting long after treatment ends.

What Causes CIPN?

Certain chemotherapy agents are known to be neurotoxic, meaning they can harm nerve tissue. These include:

• Platinum drugs (e.g., cisplatin, oxaliplatin)

• Taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel, docetaxel)
  
  These drugs disrupt nerve signaling by damaging the nerve’s structure or function, often targeting the small sensory nerves that control how we feel heat, cold, and pain.

What Are the Symptoms of CIPN?

CIPN symptoms typically start in the hands or feet and may spread upward. Common signs include:

• Tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensations

• Numbness

• Burning or sharp pain

• Sensitivity to touch or temperature

• Muscle weakness

• Difficulty with balance or fine motor tasks (like buttoning a shirt)
  
  The intensity of symptoms can vary widely, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that severely affects mobility and quality of life.

The Impact of CIPN on Quality of Life

For many patients, CIPN is not just physically painful - it can be emotionally and mentally draining. Persistent nerve pain or numbness may:

• Interfere with sleep

• Affect daily tasks like walking, writing, or cooking

• Cause anxiety or depression

• Lead to dose reductions or delays in chemotherapy

• Limit physical activity

Can CIPN Be Prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent CIPN, several approaches are being explored. One of the most promising is regional cooling therapy - a method that reduces the amount of chemotherapy that reaches peripheral nerves by cooling the extremities during infusion.

How Hilotherm Cold Therapy May Help

Hilotherm’s controlled cooling technology is designed to provide consistent, therapeutic cooling to the hands and feet during chemotherapy, potentially reducing the risk of nerve damage.

This technique - sometimes called cryotherapy for CIPN - works by narrowing blood vessels in the extremities, thereby lowering the local exposure of nerves to toxic agents.

Unlike ice or frozen packs, Hilotherm delivers a precise, constant temperature, ensuring effectiveness and comfort without the risk of freezing injuries.

What the Research Says:

Clinical studies have shown that cooling therapy during chemotherapy may significantly reduce the incidence and severity of CIPN. Patients also report better tolerance of treatment, with fewer interruptions due to neuropathic symptoms.

What You Can Do

If you or a loved one is preparing for chemotherapy, ask your oncology team about:

• Your risk of developing CIPN based on the type of chemo

• Whether preventative strategies, like Hilotherm’s cooling therapy, are available

• Monitoring tools to detect CIPN symptoms early
  
  Early action can make a significant difference in protecting nerve health and preserving quality of life during cancer treatment.

Hilotherm: Your Partner in Cancer Care

At Hilotherm, we believe that healing shouldn't come at the cost of long-term discomfort. Our innovative cooling systems are designed to help minimize chemotherapy side effects, including CIPN, by offering safe, drug-free prevention in a clinical or home setting.

To learn more about Hilotherm for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, click here or speak with your oncology provider today.