Cross-sectional study of impact of exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors of breast cancer

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapy. Exercise activates neuromuscular function and may improve CIPN. A retrospective cross-sectional study included breast cancer survivors (median 4.7 years post-chemotherapy) completing an survey on exercise exposure and CIPN symptoms. CIPN overall prevalence was 34%. Among survivors meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines’ criteria CIPN prevalence was 28%; among survivors not meeting the criteria CIPN prevalence was 38% (p<0.001). Exercise was associated with reduced prevalence of all CIPN symptoms regardless of chemotherapy type. The authors conclude that CIPN may persist several years following chemotherapy among patients with breast ancer, but is significantly reduced by exercise.