Study shows neurofeedback can ease neuropathy symptoms for cancer patients

A type of functional brain training known as neurofeedback shows promise in reducing symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), according to an MD Anderson pilot study published in the journal Cancer.

CIPN is caused by damage to the nerves that control sensation and movement in arms and legs. It's estimated to affect between 71 and 96% of patients one month after chemotherapy treatment, says Sarah Prinsloo, Ph.D., assistant professor of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine Research. Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling and loss of feeling.

"We observed clinically and statistically significant reductions in peripheral neuropathy following neurofeedback techniques," says Prinsloo, lead investigator of the study. "This research suggests that neurofeedback may be a valuable approach to reduce neuropathy symptoms and their impact."

The study was funded by the American Cancer Society, the Rising Tide Foundation, the Hille Foundation and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.