Pilot trial of a patient-specific cutaneous electrostimulation device (MC5-A Calmare®) for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

The impact of scrambler therapy on pain and quality of life for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating disturbance among patients who received chemotherapy, with no effective treatment available. Scrambler therapy (ST) is a noninvasive treatment capable of improving multiple quality-of-life symptoms beyond pain. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ST for pain and nonpain symptoms related to CIPN.

METHODS

Ten patients with moderate to severe CIPN symptoms for >3 months were enrolled in a single-arm trial of ST for 10 daily sessions. CIPN-related symptoms were measured throughout the treatment period and up to 6 months thereafter.

RESULTS

The worst pain was reduced by 6 months (p = 0.0039). QST demonstrated the greatest improvement in pressure of 60 g (p = 0.308, Cohen's d = 0.42) and cold temperature threshold of 2.5°C (p = 0.9375, Cohen's d = 0.51) in the gastrocnemius area. Symptoms of numbness, tingling, trouble walking, and disturbed sleep had significant improvements at 6 months. Pain medication use decreased by 70% at the end of treatment and by 42% at 6 months. Patient satisfaction was high (82%) and no adverse events with ST treatment were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this pilot trial support the use of ST by demonstrating improvement in multiple domains of quality of life for CIPN patients during an extended follow-up of 6 months. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Efficacy of scrambler therapy in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A single-arm, prospective, pilot study

BACKGROUND

A variety of medications are available to manage painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), but the proper treatment remains challenging. Accordingly, various neuromodulation modalities have been used. However, no prospective clinical trials have evaluated the use of scrambler therapy (ST) in painful DPN. This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of ST in managing painful DPN.

METHODS

The patients received 10 consecutive STs of 45 minutes every 1 to 2 days. The primary outcome was pain score. We measured the visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at baseline, during ST, immediately after ST, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after ST. The secondary outcomes were Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scores, which were measured at baseline, immediately after ST, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after ST.

RESULTS

VAS scores showed significant improvement at the 8th, 9th, and 10th sessions during ST and 1 month after ST. The MNSI self-report component score was decreased 1 month after the ST. However, all other outcomes did not show significant differences compared to the baseline.

CONCLUSION

ST may have short-term effects and limited long-term effects on painful DPN.

Evidence-Based Treatment of Pain in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and often painful condition that occurs after administration of chemotherapeutic agents. The primary objective of this systematic review was to appraise the literature on conservative, pharmacological, and interventional treatment options for CIPN pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is level I evidence supporting modest to moderate improvement in CIPN pain from duloxetine treatment, as well as short-term modest improvement from physical therapy and acupuncture. Although opioid and cannabis administration may provide short-term modest improvement, administration is commonly limited by side effects. Generally, most studies reported no clinical benefit from yoga, topical neuropathic agents, gabapentinoids, and tricyclic antidepressants. Evidence is currently equivocal for scrambler therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Finally, evidence on neuromodulation options is limited to mostly case reports/series and one observational study highlighting moderate improvement with auricular nerve stimulation. This systematic review provides an overview of conservative, pharmacologic, and interventional treatment modalities for CIPN pain. Furthermore, it provides a level of evidence and degree of recommendation based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria for each specific treatment modality.

Pharmacologic Pain Management: What Radiation Oncologists Should Know

Individuals with cancer experience a host of symptoms, especially when the malignancy is advanced. Pain occurs from the cancer itself or related treatments. Undertreated pain contributes to patient suffering and lack of engagement in cancer-directed therapies. Adequate pain management includes thorough assessment; treatment by radiotherapists or anesthesia pain specialists; anti-inflammatory medications, oral or intravenous opioid analgesics, and topical agents; and attention to the emotional and functional effects of pain, which may involve social workers, psychologists, speech therapists, nutritionists, physiatrists and palliative medicine providers. This review discusses typical pain syndromes arising in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and provides concrete recommendations for pain assessment and pharmacologic treatment.

Safety of Scrambler Therapy: A Systematic Review of Complications and Adverse Effects

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to qualitatively synthesize all reported cases of complications, adverse effects, side effects, or harms arising from the use of scrambler therapy (ST).

METHODS AND DESIGN

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, United States National Library of Medicine clinical trials registry, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from database inception to December 10, 2021. Case reports/series, abstracts, retrospective studies, and prospective studies (e.g., open-label trials, randomized controlled trials) pertaining to ST and any description of a complication, adverse effect, side effect, or harm were screened. The search protocol was developed a priori and registered via the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021291838).

RESULTS

A total of six RCTs, 19 prospective open-label trials, and 11 case series / case reports met the inclusion criteria, comprising 1,152 total patients. Two patients experienced contact dermatitis, and one patient reported minor ecchymosis that resolved without intervention. This yielded a composite complication rate of 0.26% (3/1,152). There were zero reported serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

When used in accordance with the treatment protocols described by the United States Food and Drug Administration and device manual, ST is associated with a reported composite complication rate that is orders of magnitude lower than those of invasive neuromodulation devices. ST neuromodulation is a safe alternative for patients who cannot undergo invasive neuromodulation device implantation because of either risk or preference.

Treatment and diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: An update

When peripheral neuropathy occurs due to chemotherapy treatment, it is referred to as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Typically, symptoms are sensory rather than motor and include reduced feeling and heightened sensitivity to pressure, pain, temperature, and touch. The pathophysiology of CIPN is very complex, and it involves multiple mechanisms leading to its development which will be described specifically for each chemotherapeutic class. There are currently no approved or effective agents for CIPN prevention, and Duloxetine is the only medication that is an effective treatment against CIPN. There is an unavoidable necessity to develop preventative and treatment approaches for CIPN due to its detrimental impact on patients' lives. The purpose of this review is to examine CIPN, innovative pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy and preventive strategies for this illness, and future perspectives for this condition and its therapies.

Pharmacologic Management of Persistent Pain in Cancer Survivors

Improvements in screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has seen cancer mortality substantially diminish in the past three decades. It is estimated there are almost 20 million cancer survivors in the USA alone, but some 40% live with chronic pain after completing treatment. While a broad definition of survivorship that includes all people living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis—including those with active cancer—is often used, this narrative review primarily focuses on the management of pain in people who are disease-free after completing primary cancer treatment as adults. Chronic pain in this population needs a different approach to that used for people with a limited prognosis. After describing the common chronic pain syndromes caused by cancer treatment, and the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved, the pharmacologic management of entities such as post-surgical pain, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, aromatase inhibitor musculoskeletal syndrome and checkpoint inhibitor-related pain are described. The challenges  associated with opioid prescribing in this population are given special attention. Expert guidelines on pain management in cancer survivors now recommend a combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities, and these are also briefly covered.

Cerebral current-source distribution associated with pain improvement by non-invasive painless signaling therapy in patients with failed back surgery syndrome

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive painless signaling therapy (NPST) is an electro-cutaneous treatment that converts endogenous pain information into synthetic non-pain information. This study explored whether pain improvement by NPST in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) patients is related to cerebral modulation.

METHODS

Electroencephalography (EEG) analysis was performed in 11 patients with FBSS. Subjects received daily NPST for 5 days. Before the first treatment, patients completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Beck Depression Inventory and underwent baseline EEG. After the final treatment, they responded again to the BPI, reported the percent pain improvement (PPI), and then underwent post-treatment EEG. If the PPI grade was zero, they were assigned to the ineffective group, while all others were assigned to the effective group. We used standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) to explore the EEG current-source distribution (CSD) associated with pain improvement by NPST.

RESULTS

The 11 participants had a median age of 67.0 years, and 63.6% were female. The sLORETA images revealed a beta-2 CSD increment in 12 voxels of the right anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and the right medial frontal area. The point of maximal CSD changes was in the right ACG. The alpha band CSD increased in 2 voxels of the left transverse gyrus.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain improvement by NPST in FBSS patients was associated with increased cerebral activity, mainly in the right ACG. The change in afferent information induced by NPST seems to be associated with cerebral pain perception.

Innovative Approach for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study With the Hilotherm Device, the Poliambulanza Hospital Experience

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse event of taxanes, with no effective prevention or treatment available and a highly negative impact on patient quality of life. The aim of this study is to asses that the constant application of cooled cuffs on the hands and feet prevent and mitigate CIPN.

METHODS

Patients with breast, gynecologic, and pancreatic cancer who received weekly paclitaxel (PTX), PTX/carboplatin, and nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX)/gemcitabine for any indication at the therapeutic scheduled dosage were included in this prospective study. Hilotherm Chemo care device forms a closed-loop system with cuffs and tubes through which a coolant flows at a temperature of 10 °C. CIPN was monitored using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (edition 3.0), and the tolerability and side effects were scored by using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (T4.03 2017).

RESULTS

To date, we have enrolled 64 patients. Of these, 54 (84%) completed all cooling cycles. Continuous cooling was well tolerated by all patients. No patients had grade >2 CIPN or had serious or lasting adverse events as a result of Hilotherapy. The median time to CIPN onset was 77 days for the entire population.

CONCLUSION

Hilotherapy has good effectiveness and tolerability and seems to be able to prevent or reduce the symptoms of CIPN. We are still recruiting patients to obtain more data and to collect data at 3 months after the end of chemotherapy. Prospective studies seem to be warranted.

Chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity in the treatment of gynecological cancers: State of art and an innovative approach for prevention

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect that occurs in 20% of ovarian cancer patients treated with the combination of carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP). This toxicity is directly correlated with the dose of paclitaxel administered. Several studies have investigated whether different formulations of taxane can induce this side effect at a lower rate, but, unfortunately, no significant improvement was obtained. CIPN can be disabling in the daily lives of patients and can cause dose reduction or early termination of the treatment. Neuropathy can last for months and even years after its onset. Moreover, patients responsive to CP treatment are candidates for a reintroduction of the same drugs when disease relapse occurs, and residual neuropathy can affect the continuation of treatment. There are no approved drugs that mitigate or prevent the onset of CIPN. In this review, we summarize the evidence regarding the incidence of CIPN with different taxane formulations, regimen schedules and prevention systems. In particular, the Hilotherm® Chemo care device is a regional cooling system that lowers the temperature of the hands and feet to reduce the flow of chemotherapy into the capillaries. We used hilotherapy during chemotherapy infusion to prevent the onset of CIPN. Updated data from 44 ovarian cancer patients treated with 6 cycle of CP show that hilotherapy was well tolerated; only two patients (4.5%) stopped hilotherapy because of cold intolerance, and only one patient (2.2%) experienced grade ≥ 2 CIPN.

Therapeutic Ultrasound for Chemotherapy-Related Pain and Sensory Disturbance in the Hands and Feet in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

This proof-of-concept trial was undertaken as a first step in exploring the clinical benefit of therapeutic ultrasound for pain and sensory disturbance in patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of adding therapeutic ultrasound to a home-based therapeutic exercise program (current standard of care) for patients presenting with oxaliplatin-related pain and sensory disturbance in the hands and feet.

METHODS

Thirty-one colorectal cancer patients with presenting symptoms of peripheral sensory neuropathy, based on a physician-rated grade 1, 2, or 3 on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events for sensory and motor neuropathy, were enrolled in the trial. Patients were randomized to either 10 sessions of ultrasound therapy intervention over two-week period (continuous ultrasound at an intensity of 0.7 to 0.8 w/cm², and frequency of 3 MHz for 5 minutes) plus standard care (n = 16) or to standard care alone (n = 15). The feasibility of therapeutic ultrasound was determined by the recruitment rate, participants' adherence to the intervention, and the study completion rates. Assessments of pain, sensory disturbance, sensation, and balance were conducted at baseline, two and six weeks.

RESULTS

We achieved a recruitment rate of 84%, an adherence rate of 100% to the intervention, and a completion rate of 100%. Adding therapeutic ultrasound to standard care resulted in a statistically and clinically significant improvement in symptoms of pain and sensory disturbance (P = 0.003) at two weeks; however, no significance difference between the groups was found at the six-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this proof-of-concept study support the feasibility of the therapeutic ultrasound in addition to standard care as an intervention for colorectal cancer patients with oxaliplatin-related pain and sensory disturbance in the hands and feet. The findings warrant a large-scale placebo-controlled trial.

Randomized Trial of Scrambler Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Crossover Analysis

CONTEXT

Preliminary trials report that Scrambler Therapy, a form of electroanalgesia, may improve discomfort from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this phase II, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Scrambler therapy vs. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in treating CIPN.

METHODS

Fifty patients were accrued for the first half of this two-part, crossover trial consisting of a 2-week treatment period with either Scrambler or TENS, followed by an 8-week observation period, and then crossover treatment. Twenty-two patients proceeded to the crossover phase. The primary means of assessment was patient-reported outcomes, including symptom severity scales and Global Impression of Change questionnaires. Symptoms were assessed daily during the treatment period and weekly during an 8-week observation period.

RESULTS

A 50% or greater reduction in primary symptom (pain or tingling) score on the last day of treatment was achieved by 6 of 10 Scrambler-treated patients (60%) and 3 of 12 TENS-treated patients (25%) after crossover (P = 0.11). By day 4 of treatment, the two arms diverged with respect to mean change in primary symptom score; this effect was largely carried through to the end of the two-week treatment period. Similarly, Scrambler therapy appeared better than TENS when assessed by Global Impression of Change for neuropathy, pain, and overall quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar findings from the initial randomization and crossover phases of this study support further evaluation of the efficacy of Scrambler therapy in alleviating CIPN symptoms. Evaluation in a larger, randomized controlled trial with standardized treatment is warranted.

Differential response to scrambler therapy by neuropathic pain phenotypes

Scrambler therapy is a noninvasive electroanalgesia technique designed to remodulate the pain system. Despite growing evidence of its efficacy in patients with neuropathic pain, little is known about the clinical factors associated with treatment outcome. We conducted a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial to assess the efficacy and safety of scrambler therapy in patients with chronic neuropathic pain of various etiologies. A post-hoc analysis was performed to investigate whether cluster analysis of the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) profiles could identify a subgroup of patients regarding neuropathic pain phenotype and treatment outcome. Scrambler therapy resulted in a significant decrease in the pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score over 2 weeks of treatment (least squares mean of percentage change from baseline, − 15%; 95% CI − 28% to − 2.4%; p < 0.001). The mean score of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) interference subdimension was also significantly improved (p = 0.022), while the BPI pain composite score was not. Hierarchical clustering based on the NPSI profiles partitioned the patients into 3 clusters with distinct neuropathic pain phenotypes. Linear mixed-effects model analyses revealed differential response to scrambler therapy across clusters (p = 0.003, pain NRS; p = 0.072, BPI interference subdimension). Treatment response to scrambler therapy appears different depending on the neuropathic pain phenotypes, with more favorable outcomes in patients with preferentially paroxysmal pain rather than persistent pain. Further studies are warranted to confirm that capturing neuropathic pain phenotypes can optimize the use of scrambler therapy.

Acupuncture and Derived Therapies for Pain in Palliative Cancer Management: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Single-Arm and Controlled Trials

Background: Acupuncture is a classical complementary therapy, but benefits in palliative cancer pain are still unclear due to lack of consistent evidence. Objectives: To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and derived therapies (such as electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for analgesia in palliative cancer care based on both single-arm and controlled trials. Design: Eight databases were searched from inception to August 31, 2020. Both single-arm trials and controlled trials were included. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity, as evaluated by the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the visual analog scale. Subjects: Adults with cancer. Results: Forty-one controlled studies with 2685 participants and 18 single-arm studies with 1084 participants were included. For controlled trials, meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture and derived therapies in addition led to greater reductions in the NRS score than conventional analgesics alone (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 1.33 [0.85-1.82], p < 0.001). For single-arm trials, meta-analysis showed that both the immediate effect (WMD: 1.57 [1.43-1.71], p < 0.001) and long-term longitudinal effect (WMD: 1.81 [1.25-2.37], p < 0.001) of acupuncture on analgesia were positive, as evaluated by the NRS, respectively. The benefits of acupuncture and derived therapies were also seen in quality of life and the global improvement rate. LI4 (Hegu) was the most frequently used acupoint. Conclusions: This systematic review supported the application of acupuncture and derived therapies for managing pain during palliative cancer care from two dimensions. Further studies could explore the effect of acupuncture on other predominant symptoms in palliative cancer patients.

[Rehabilitation methods for cancer patients with peripheral polyneuropathy induced by cytostatics]

An analytical review of the methods of cancer patients' rehabilitation with peripheral polyneuropathy induced by cytostatics (PNPIC) was carried out. Studies from electronic databases were investigated: Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, World Health Organization, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ScienceDirect, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, PubMed Cancer, eLIBRARY, CyberLeninka. Despite the improvement of anticancer therapy and an increase in patients' life expectancy, the emerging peripheral polyneuropathy remains an urgent problem, since it significantly affects both the patients' life quality and the selection of adequate therapy. The frequency of detection of PNPIC is 90%, after discontinuation of treatment; symptoms of damaged peripheral nerve fibers remain in 30% of patients. The clinical symptoms of PNPIC are varied and most often include numbness in the extremities and / or increased sensitivity to thermal or mechanical stimuli, neuropathic pain. Currently, to prevent PNPIC, treatment is being modified with a reduction in the duration of courses and doses of cytostatics, and interruption of treatment. Official guidelines do not recommend any prophylaxis other than the possible use of duloxetine or a topical gel containing baclofen, amitriptyline, and ketamine. Over the past few years, there has been no significant progress in the prevention and treatment of PNPIC. The most common drug treatment method in clinical practice is the prescription of vitamins B. Among the non-drug treatment methods of PNPIC, the authors used acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, manual therapy, massage, gymnastics, yoga, sensorimotor training, general vibration therapy, percutaneous electro-neuro-stimulation, electro-analgesia, local cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, low-intensity alternating magnetic radiation. The studies included in the review are heterogeneous in design and protocol, number of patients, and time points for assessing outcomes. In connection with the existing differences, it is not possible to carry out a comparative analysis of the results of these rehabilitation types and to give an unambiguous answer about their effectiveness. As the analysis has shown, peripheral PNPIC is well known all over the world, however, the search for methods of its treatment is far from complete.

Effects of Scrambler Therapy in Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndromes and Factors Associated with Depression Affecting Pain before and after the Therapy

Objectives

To report the effects of scrambler therapy in patients diagnosed with failed back surgery syndromes and to analyze the factors affecting pain before and after the therapy.

Methods

This study included 26 patients (12 males and 14 females). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) before and after scrambler therapy, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score before therapy, and residual pain after therapy were assessed. The changes in the ODI, BPI, and residual pain before and after the therapy were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Spearman correlation analysis and Fisher's exact test were used to confirm the correlation between BDI and other factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify independent factors predicting residual pain, posttherapy ODI, and posttherapy BPI.

Results

The ODI changed from 25.69 ± 7.98 to 21.80 ± 9.41 (p < 0.05), and the BPI changed from 68.96 ± 18.00 to 61.62 ± 20.27 after scrambler therapy (p < 0.05). In addition, residual pain changed from 100 to 76.15 (p < 0.05). The BDI was negatively correlated with the duration of scrambler therapy and positively correlated with the initial OPD and BPI. In multiple regression analysis, residual pain was significantly correlated with the BDI (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Scrambler therapy can be used to change the total scores of the ODI and BPI after 5 sessions of treatment. Also, residual pain was significantly related to the BDI. Clinical significance of depression severity on pain should be further investigated via prospective studies.

Scrambler therapy improves pain in neuromyelitis optica: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether Scrambler therapy is an effective, acceptable, and feasible treatment of persistent central neuropathic pain in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and to explore the effect of Scrambler therapy on co-occurring symptoms.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized single-blind, sham-controlled trial in patients with NMOSD who have central neuropathic pain using Scrambler therapy for 10 consecutive weekdays. Pain severity, pain interference, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance were assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at the 30- and 60-day follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (11 per arm) were enrolled in and completed this trial. The median baseline numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score decreased from 5.0 to 1.5 after 10 days of treatment with Scrambler therapy, whereas the median NRS score did not significantly decrease in the sham arm. Depression was also reduced in the treatment arm, and anxiety was decreased in a subset of patients who responded to treatment. These symptoms were not affected in the sham arm. The safety profiles were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Scrambler therapy is an effective, feasible, and safe intervention for central neuropathic pain in patients with NMOSD. Decreasing pain with Scrambler therapy may additionally improve depression and anxiety.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03452176.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class II evidence that Scrambler therapy significantly reduces pain in patients with NMOSD and persistent central neuropathic pain.

Cancer Rehabilitation: Acute and Chronic Issues, Nerve Injury, Radiation Sequelae, Surgical and Chemo-Related, Part 1

Individuals with cancer commonly experience functional impairments. Symptoms may present immediately or years to decades following their treatment. These impairments may include fatigue, pain, neuropathy, lymphedema, or radiation fibrosis syndrome and have the potential to deleteriously impact their function and quality of life. Cancer rehabilitation is a comprehensive resource that facilitates maximizing and maintaining cancer survivors' physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. This article covers the common functional impairments experienced by cancer survivors and the treatment strategies used in cancer rehabilitation. Application of these services can enhance the ongoing care for cancer survivors.

Scrambler therapy: A ray of hope for refractory chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Scrambler therapy (ST) is a novel noninvasive modality for treatment of chronic neuropathic and cancer pain using 5 artificial neurons. The principle with Scrambler Therapy is that synthetic "non-pain" information is transmitted by C fiber surface receptors. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can markedly deteriorate patient's quality of life and can also negatively affect compliance with the anticancer treatment. Chronic neuropathic pain presents a therapeutic challenge if resistant to pharmacological management opioids and other types of treatments. We have described here successful use of scrambler therapy in three cases of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Scrambler therapy for chemotherapy neuropathy: a randomized phase II pilot trial

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prominent clinical problem, with limited effective therapies. Preliminary non-randomized clinical trial data support that Scrambler Therapy is helpful in this situation.

METHODS

Patients were eligible if they had CIPN symptoms for at least 3 months and CIPN-related tingling or pain at least 4/10 in severity during the week prior to registration. They were randomized to receive Scrambler Therapy versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for 2 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were utilized to measure efficacy and toxicity daily for 2 weeks during therapy and then weekly for 8 additional weeks.

RESULTS

This study accrued 50 patients, 25 to each of the 2 study arms; 46 patients were evaluable. There were twice as many Scrambler-treated patients who had at least a 50% documented improvement during the 2 treatment weeks, from their baseline pain, tingling, and numbness scores, when compared with the TENS-treated patients (from 36 to 56% compared with 16-28% for each symptom). Global Impression of Change scores for "neuropathy symptoms," pain, and quality of life were similarly improved during the treatment weeks. Patients in the Scrambler group were more likely than those in the TENS group to recommend their treatment to other patients, during both the 2-week treatment period and the 8-week follow-up period (p < 0.0001). Minimal toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this pilot trial were positive, supporting the conduct of further investigations regarding the use of Scrambler Therapy for treating CIPN.

Mechanisms, Predictors, and Challenges in Assessing and Managing Painful Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the known predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors and the challenges in assessing and managing it.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO.

CONCLUSION

The research on chronic painful CIPN is limited. Additional research is needed to identify the predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic painful CIPN to inform the development of assessment tools and management options for this painful and possibly debilitating condition.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Recognition of the predictors of chronic painful CIPN and proactive CIPN assessment and palliative management are important steps in reducing its impact on physical function and quality of life.

A Pilot Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial of MC5-A Scrambler Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects 30% to 40% of patients with cancer with long-lasting disability. Scrambler therapy (ST) appeared to benefit patients in uncontrolled trials, so we performed a randomized sham-controlled Phase II trial of ST.

METHODS

The primary end point was "average pain" after 28 days on the Numeric Rating Scale. Each received ten 30-minute sessions of ST on the dermatomes above the painful areas, or sham treatment on the back, typically at L3-5 where the nerve roots would enter the spinal cord. Outcomes included the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)-CIPN and the EORTC CIPN-20 scale. Patients were evaluated before treatment (day 0), day 10, and days 28, 60, and 90.

RESULTS

Data regarding pain as a primary outcome were collected for 33 of the 35 patients. There were no significant differences between the sham and the "real" ST group at day 10, 28, 60, or 90, for average pain, the BPI, or EORTC CIPN-20. Individual responses were noted during the ST treatment on the real arm, but most dissipated by day 30. There was improvement in the sensory subscale of the CIPN-20 at 2 months in the "real" group (P = .14). All "real" patients wanted to continue treatment if available.

DISCUSSION

We observed no difference between sham and real ST CIPN treatment. Potential reasons include at least the following: ST does not work; the sham treatment had some effect; small sample size with heterogeneous patients; misplaced electrodes on an area of nonpainful but damaged nerves; or a combination of these factors.

Electrical stimulation on adverse events caused by chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer: A protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This protocol of systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation (ES) on adverse events (AEs) caused by chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer (CC).

METHODS

This systematic review of randomized controlled trials will be identified through searchers of PUBMED, PsycINFO, Scopus, Opengrey, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. All the sources will be searched from the inception to the date of study search ran. Additionally, websites of clinical trials registry and reference lists provided in relevant studies and reviews will also be searched. Two independent reviewers will evaluate the eligibility criteria of all potential literature, extract the data, and determine the risk of bias for each included study. RevMan 5.3 software will be used to pool the data and to conduct a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

This systematic review will assess the effectiveness of ES on AEs caused by chemotherapy in patients with CC.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study may summarize the latest evidence for the ES on AEs following chemotherapy for CC.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019120191.

Inside the Scrambler Therapy, a Noninvasive Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic and Cancer Pain: From the Gate Control Theory to the Active Principle of Information

Scrambler therapy (ST) is an electro-analgesia therapy for the noninvasive treatment of chronic neuropathic and cancer pain based on a new generation of medical device that uses 5 artificial neurons and is based on a novel theoretical model the differs from gate control theory. The active principle with Scrambler Therapy is such that synthetic "non-pain" information is transmitted by C fiber surface receptors. This is a different theoretical mechanism than the traditional electric stimulation of A-Beta fibers to produce paresthesia and/or block the conduction of nerve fibers to produce an analgesic effect, that is, via TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines. Scrambler therapy was developed to treat chronic neuropathic pain and cancer pain resistant to opioids and other types of treatments. The goal of Scrambler Therapy is to eliminate pain during treatment and allow for long-lasting analgesia after a series of 10 to 12 consecutive treatments performed over a 2-week period. The aim of this review is to clarify the underlying theory of Scrambler Therapy and describe the appropriate usage method that maximizes its effectiveness while reducing bias and deepen the explanation of the artificial neuron technology associated with Scrambler Therapy.

Scrambler therapy: what's new after 15 years? The results from 219 patients treated for chronic pain

Chronic pain is often difficult to treat, requiring a comprehensive multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention and a high level of management expertise.This is particularly true for patients who are unresponsive to standard treatments for chronic pain, for which Scrambler Therapy (ST) is indicated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of ST on patient-reported moderate to severe chronic pain.This was a prospective trial on 219 patients affected by chronic pain from April 2010 to March 2016. The study consisted of 2 consecutive weeks of treatment with ST (one 30-min daily session, 5 days a week) (T0, T1, T2) and a 2-week follow-up (T3, T4). Patients were asked to describe the pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) immediately prior to and after the treatment.Two hundred nineteen patients were treated for chronic pain of different nature with mean values of 6.44 (± 2.11) at T0, 3.22 (± 2.20) at T2, and 3.19 (± 2.34) at T4. A reduction in the symptomatology from T0 to T2 was maintained throughout T4 (P value < .0001). Of the 219 patients treated with ST, 83 (37.9%) had cancer pain and 136 (62.1%) had non-cancer pain. No adverse events were reported.Future research should focus on individual response, retreatment, and maintenance therapy. The data showed a statistically significant impact of ST, which was maintained during follow-up, on patients suffering from chronic pain of different nature.

The evaluation of changes in peripheral neuropathy and quality-of-life using low-frequency electrostimulation in patients treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer: a study protocol

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a progressive, enduring, and sometimes irreversible neurotoxic symptom that occurs in 30-40% of chemotherapy-treated cancer patients. CIPN negatively affects both the patient's abilities to perform daily activities and their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after chemotherapy treatment. Although this neuropathy has been treated with duloxetine and/or gabapentin, limited therapeutic benefits have been reported, thereby necessitating the development of an integrated approach that combines pharmacological management and complementary methods such as acupuncture and electric nerve stimulation. Therefore, this study is designed to examine the effect of a portable, low-frequency electrostimulation (ES) device on CIPN symptoms and HRQOL of female patients diagnosed with CIPN immediately after chemotherapy for breast cancer.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups and a 2-week follow-up. We will enroll 80 breast cancer patients who are newly diagnosed with CIPN after chemotherapy. Duloxetine or pregabalin will be prescribed to all participants from the initial assessment. Half of the patients will be assigned into the experimental group and the other half to the control group. The CarebandR (Piomed Inc., Seoul, Korea), a wearable wristband that generates low-frequency electrostimulation, will be administered only to the experimental group. Electrostimulation will be administered on the unilateral PC6 acupoint. A numerical rating scale will be used to assess the overall intensity of CIPN symptoms. The key secondary outcome variables include patient-reported CIPN symptom distress tested by a self-rated questionnaire, physician-rated symptom severity assessed by the Total Neuropathy Score, and HRQOL.

DISCUSSION

It is expected that the combination of a low-frequency electrostimulation device and pharmacological intervention (duloxetine or pregabalin) will produce synergistic effects in breast cancer patients with CIPN after treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the beneficial effect of a new integrated approach for CIPN management after breast cancer treatment. The study findings can expand our knowledge and understanding of the occurrence of CIPN and the efficacy of integrated intervention efforts to ameliorate CIPN symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, ID: KCT0002357 . Registered retrospectively on 13 June 2017.

Wireless transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: an open-label feasibility study

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs in approximately 68% of patients who receive neurotoxic chemotherapy and lasts at least 6 months post-chemotherapy in approximately 30% of individuals. CIPN is associated with decreased quality of life and functional impairments. Evidence suggests that CIPN symptoms are caused, in part, by enhanced excitability and impaired inhibition in the central nervous system. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) decreases pain by counteracting both of these mechanisms and is efficacious in other conditions associated with neuropathic pain. This single-arm study (n = 29) assessed the feasibility of investigating TENS for CIPN after chemotherapy completion using a wireless, home-based TENS device. Eighty-one percent of eligible patients who were approached enrolled, and 85% of participants who received the TENS device completed the primary (6-week) study term. Qualitative interview data suggest that use of the device on the continuous setting that automatically alternates between 1-h stimulation and rest periods for 5 h/day would be acceptable to most participants. Significant (i.e., p < 0.05) improvements were observed with the EORTC-CIPN20 (percent change from baseline: 13%), SF-MPQ-2 (52%), numeric rating scale of pain (38%), tingling (30%), numbness (20%), and cramping (53%), and UENS large fiber sensation subscore (48%). Preliminary data that support the reliability and construct validity of the UENS for CIPN in cancer survivors are also provided. Together these data suggest that it is feasible to evaluate TENS for CIPN using a wireless, home-based device and that further evaluation of TENS for CIPN in a randomized clinical trial is warranted.

Effects of scrambler therapy on pain and depression of patients with chronic low back pain: case study

[Purpose] This study was designed to investigate the effect of scrambler therapy on the pain and depression of patients with chronic low back pain. [Subject and Methods] Applied scrambler therapy to a 52 year-old man who was diagnosed with chronic low back pain, for 40 minutes once a day during the 10-day execution. Pain and depression were measured using the visual analogue scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. [Results] According to the measurement results, pain and depression decreased after ten sessions of scramble therapy. [Conclusion] Scrambler therapy shows positive effects on pain and depression of patients with chronic low back pain.

Scrambler therapy efficacy and safety for neuropathic pain correlated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adolescents: A preliminary study

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, in need of effective treatment. Preliminary data support the efficacy of scrambler therapy (ST), a noninvasive cutaneous electrostimulation device, in adults with CIPN. We test the efficacy, safety, and durability of ST for neuropathic pain in adolescents with CIPN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied nine pediatric patients with cancer and CIPN who received ST for pain control. Each patient received 45-min daily sessions for 10 consecutive days as a first step, but some of them required additional treatment.

RESULTS

Pain significantly improved comparing Numeric Rate Scale after 10 days of ST (9.22 ± 0.83 vs. 2.33 ± 2.34; P < 0.001) and at the end of the optimized cycle (EOC) (9.22 ± 0.83 vs. 0.11 ± 0.33, P < 0.001). The improvement in quality of life was significantly reached on pain interference with general activity (8.67 ± 1.66 vs. 3.33 ± 2.12, P < 0.0001), mood (8.33 ± 3.32 vs. 2.78 ± 2.82, P < 0.0005), walking ability (10.00 vs. 2.78 ± 1.22, P < 0.0001), sleep (7.56 ± 2.24 vs. 2.67 ± 1.41, P < 0.001), and relations with people (7.89 ± 2.03 vs. 2.11 ± 2.03, P < 0.0002; Lansky score 26.7 ± 13.2 vs. 10 days of ST 57.8 ± 13.9, P < 0.001; 26.7 ± 13.2 vs. EOC 71.1 ± 16.2, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on these preliminary data, ST could be a good choice for adolescents with CIPN for whom pain control is difficult. ST caused total relief or dramatic reduction in CIPN pain and an improvement in quality of life, durable in follow-up. It caused no detected side effects, and can be retrained successfully. Further larger studies should be performed to confirm our promising preliminary data in pediatric patients with cancer.

The effects of pain scrambler therapy on the pain and quality of life of degenerative gonarthritis patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of pain scrambler therapy on the pain and quality of life of degenerative gonarthritis patients. [Subject and Methods] This study is a single case study. Pain scrambler therapy was applied for 40 minutes per session once a day for 15 days to a 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with degenerative gonarthritis. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and quality of life was measured using the short form-36 item after therapy. [Results] Decrease in pain and improved quality of life were evident after pain scrambler therapy. [Conclusion] Pain scrambler therapy had a potential to decrease pain and improve the quality of life in degenerative gonarthritis patients.

Scrambler therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain related to leukemia in a pediatric patient: A case report

RATIONALE

Cancer-related neuropathic pain often responds poorly to standard pain treatments. Scrambler therapy has relieved refractory chronic pain in several uncontrolled clinical trials.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 11-year-old female patient was suffering from left groin and medial thigh pain after irradiation to the knee. The girl was diagnosed with precursor B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia 2 years ago. Extramedullary relapse of leukemia developed 1 month ago and pain had started. She was treated with oral medications, but she was continuously complaining of severe pain.

DIAGNOSIS

Neuropathic pain caused by obturator nerve involvement in leukemia.

INTERVENTION

Scrambler therapy.

OUTCOME

Pain reduction.

LESSONS

Scrambler therapy is noninvasive, is not associated with any complications, causes minimal discomfort during treatment, and is very effective in a pediatric patient with cancer-related neuropathic pain.

Risk-reduction and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a common adverse effect of several chemotherapeutic agents, has a significant impact on quality of life and may even compromise treatment efficacy, requiring chemotherapy dose reduction or discontinuation. CIPN is predominantly related with sensory rather than motor symptoms and the most common related cytotoxic agents are platinum compounds, taxanes and vinca alkaloids. CIPN symptoms may resolve after treatment cessation, but they can also be permanent and continue for years. Areas covered: We present an overview of CIPN pathophysiology, clinical assessment, prevention and treatment identified through a Pubmed search. Expert commentary: No substantial progress has been made in the last few years within the field of prevention and/or treatment of CIPN, in spite of remarkable efforts. Continuous research could expand our knowledge about chemotherapeutic-specific neuropathic pathways and eventually lead to the conception of innovative and targeted agents for the prevention and/or treatment of this debilitating chemotherapy adverse effect.

Effect of pain scrambler therapy on antineuralgic pain and quality of life after shingles

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of pain scrambler therapy on antineuralgic pain and quality of life after shingles. [Subjects and Methods] Daily pain scrambler therapy was administered to antineuralgic patients for 10 days, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and quality of life was assessed with the short form 36-item (SF-36). [Results] After10 sessions of pain scrambler therapy, pain had significantly reduced compared to that experienced prior to treatment. The quality of life had also improved following completion of 10 treatment sessions. [Conclusion] Pain scrambler therapy decreased patients’ post-shingles antineuralgic pain and improved quality of life.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms (CIPN): a preliminary case-control study

[Purpose] The aim of this double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study is to investigate the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for reducing the side effects of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with oxaloplatin or paclitaxel. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four patients were randomly allocated into two groups: active or placebo stimulation. All patients were assessed for pain, numbness/tingiling, frequency of symptoms, and quality of life. The transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device was applied daily with modulating frequencies ranging between 7 Hz and 65 Hz in distal limb regions during three cycles of chemotherapy (45 days). The other stimulation parameters were: pulse duration of 200 μsec, intensity at the highest tolerable level, and increases in intensity when it diminished. [Results] The data showed no difference between active or placebo groups in terms of pain, numbness/tingling, frequency of symptoms or impact on daily life activities. [Conclusion] These results suggest that Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation applied in the frequency variation mode was not proven to be effective to improve the symptoms of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy during chemotherapy cycles. There was no worsening of symptoms in subsequent cycles of the onset of symptoms of the disease.

Impact of Scrambler Therapy on Pain Management and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: A Study of Twenty Cases

Aim of the Study:

To study the effect of scrambler therapy on patients with chronic cancer pain.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective, observational study conducted on patients with chronic pain due to malignancy which is not responding to oral analgesics. A total of twenty patients were included in the study (ten males, ten females) with a visual analog scale score of >4 on oral analgesics. Patients aged 18–70 years with a life expectancy of >3 months having bony, neuropathic, or mixed type of pain were included in the study. A total of 12 sessions of scrambler therapy were planned, ten sessions on consecutive days and one session each on two follow-up visits after 1 week each. Each session lasted for 40 min. Pain relief and quality of life according to the World Health Organization Quality of Life were recorded as primary outcome variables.

Results:

All patients had good pain relief and improvement in all four domains of quality of life. Pain scores decreased significantly (P < 0.01) after each session and at each follow-up. Patients showed significant improvement in physical, psychological, social, and environmental health (P < 0.01) after the therapy.

Conclusion:

Scrambler therapy offers a promising role in the pain physician's armamentarium as an adjunct to pharmacological therapy for the treatment of chronic drug-resistant cancer pain; it may bring down analgesic drug requirements significantly and improve quality of life in cancer patients. Larger prospective, randomized multicenter studies are needed to validate the findings of the small pilot studies published in literature so far.

Nursing Implications of Chemotherapy Agents and Their Associated Side Effects in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Survival for patients with advanced (locally advanced unresectable and metastatic disease) pancreatic cancer is very poor; however, several advances in treatment have been made during the past several years. Gemcitabine (Gemzar®)-based regimens, FOLFIRINOX, and nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane®)-based regimens have demonstrated efficacy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Understanding the unique safety profile of each of these regimens is crucial in helping nurses identify symptoms, develop patient education strategies, and ultimately improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This article aims to provide background information on and nursing implications of the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer by exploring the mechanism of action and efficacy and safety profiles of standard treatment regimens.

METHODS

Key trials of standard treatment regimens used in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer were examined with respect to efficacy outcomes and the most commonly observed adverse events. Symptom identification and management strategies are discussed from the nursing perspective.

FINDINGS

The current standard treatment options for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have differences in efficacy and safety profiles. Nurses should educate themselves on these differences, particularly on associated adverse events and their management.

Magnetic field therapy in patients with cytostatics-induced polyneuropathy: A prospective randomized placebo-controlled phase-III study

No causal treatment for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is known. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a therapy for CIPN. Only scarce clinical data are available concerning magnetic field therapy (MFT) in this context. We conducted a unicentric, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase‐III trial of an MFT device versus placebo. In this study, we randomized 44 patients with CIPN to two treatment groups, where 21 patients were treated with MFT (Group 1) and 23 patients received placebo (Group 2). We evaluated the efficacy of MFT at baseline (T₁), after 3 weeks of study treatment (T₂), and after 3 months of study treatment (T₃). The primary endpoint was nerve conduction velocity (NCV), while secondary endpoints were the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTCAE) score and the Pain Detect End Score at T₃. Seventeen of the patients in Group 1 and 14 patients in Group 2 completed the respective study treatment. The primary endpoint, significant improvement of NCV at T₃, was achieved by MFT (P = 0.015), particularly for sensory neurotoxicity of the peroneal nerve. Also, in respect to the secondary endpoints, significant improvement (P = 0.04) was achieved in terms of the patients’ subjectively perceived neurotoxicity (CTCAE score), but not of neuropathic pain (P = 0.11). From data in the randomized study presented here, a positive effect on the reduction of neurotoxicity can be assumed for the MFT device. Patients with sensory neurotoxicity in the lower limbs, especially, should therefore be offered this therapy. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:85–94, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of pain scrambler therapy on shoulder joint pain and range of motion in patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for the first time

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of pain scrambler therapy on shoulder joint pain and range of motion in patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for the first time. [Subjects and Methods] Pain scrambler therapy was administered once a day every 40 minutes for 10 days to patients that had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for the first time. The visual analog scale was used to measure pain, and a goniometer was used to measure shoulder range of motion. [Results] After 10 sessions of pain scrambler therapy, pain was significantly reduced from that before the treatment. In addition, shoulder range of motion was increased after 10 treatment sessions. [Conclusion] Thus, pain scrambler therapy greatly reduced pain and increased should range of motion in the patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for the first time.

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-related peripheral neuropathy with Scrambler Therapy: a case report

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common neurological complications of HIV infection with a 30-60% lifetime prevalence. Newer HIV drugs cause less peripheral neuropathy, but patients are now living long enough to develop concomitant diabetes-related, vascular-related, and chemotherapy-related neuropathy so it continues as a major debilitating issue. Recent national CDC guidelines have stressed the importance of non-opioid therapies, especially in this population that may have had drug abuse problems. We treated a 52-year-old man who had severe disabling classic peripheral neuropathy since 1998 with Scrambler Therapy (Calmare), an FDA-cleared peripheral non-invasive neuromodulation device. His pain rapidly improved, as did his motor and sensory function, with just four 45-min treatments, and he was able to come off opioids for the first time in years. When his pain returned six months later, only two treatments were needed to resolve it. This represents the first published use of this novel, inexpensive, and non-invasive pain modality in HIV peripheral neuropathy, and should engender further trials.

Scrambler Therapy for the management of chronic pain

PURPOSE

Chronic pain is a widespread and debilitating condition, encountered by physicians in a variety of practice settings. Although many pharmacologic and behavioral strategies exist for the management of this condition, treatment is often unsatisfactory. Scrambler Therapy is a novel, non-invasive pain modifying technique that utilizes trans-cutaneous electrical stimulation of pain fibers with the intent of re-organizing maladaptive signaling pathways. This review was conducted to further evaluate what is known regarding the mechanisms and mechanics of Scrambler Therapy and to investigate the preliminary data pertaining to the efficacy of this treatment modality.

METHODS

The PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for all articles published on Scrambler Therapy prior to November 2015. All case studies and clinical trials were evaluated and reported in a descriptive manner.

RESULTS

To date, 20 reports, of varying scientific quality, have been published regarding this device; all but one small study, published only as an abstract, provided results that appear positive.

CONCLUSION

The positive findings from preliminary studies with Scrambler Therapy support that this device provides benefit for patients with refractory pain syndromes. Larger, randomized studies are required to further evaluate the efficacy of this approach.

Predictive factors associated with success and failure for Calmare (Scrambler) therapy: a multicenter analysis

OBJECTIVE

Calmare (Scrambler) therapy is a novel therapeutic modality that purports to provide pain relief by "scrambling" afferent pain signals and replacing them with "non-pain" information through conventional lines of neural transmission. The goal of this study is to identify which factors are associated with treatment outcome for Calmare therapy.

METHODS

Data were garnered from 3 medical centers on 147 patients with various pain conditions who underwent a minimum of either 3 Calmare therapies on consecutive days or 5 therapies overall. A successful outcome was predefined as ≥50% pain relief on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale that persisted for longer than 1 month after the last treatment. Variables evaluated for their association with outcome included age, sex, study site, baseline pain score, etiology, type of pain, diagnosis, treatment compliance, coexisting psychopathology, opioid use, antidepressant use, and membrane stabilizer use.

RESULTS

Overall, the success rate was 38.1%. Variables found to be associated with a positive outcome in multivariate logistic regression included the presence of neuropathic (OR=24.78; 95% CI, 2.47-248.97; P=0.006) or mixed (OR=10.52; 95% CI, 1.09-101.28; P=0.042) pain, and treatment at either Walter Reed (OR=6.87; 95% CI, 1.60-29.51; P=0.010) or Seoul National University (OR=12.29; 95% CI, 1.73-87.43; P=0.012). Factors that correlated with treatment failure were disease (OR=0.04; 95% CI, 0.002-0.59; P=0.020) or traumatic/surgical etiologies (OR=0.05; 95% CI, 0.005-0.56; P=0.015) and antidepressant use (OR=0.47; 95% CI, 0.18-1.02; P=0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

A neuropathic or mixed neuropathic-nociceptive pain condition was associated with a positive treatment outcome. Investigators should consider these findings when developing selection criteria in clinical trials designed to determine the efficacy of Calmare therapy.

Use of Scrambler Therapy in Acute Paediatric Pain: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report our clinical experience on the effect of Scrambler Therapy (ST) for a child with acute mixed pain refractory to pharmacological treatment. ST, recently proposed as an alternative treatment for chronic neuropathic pain in adults, is a noninvasive approach to relieve pain, by changing pain perception at brain level. It is safe and has no side effects. Further research is needed to assess its efficacy for acute pain and for paediatric population.

An exploratory study on the effectiveness of "Calmare therapy" in patients with cancer-related neuropathic pain: A pilot study

PURPOSE

Calmare therapy (CT) has been suggested as a novel treatment for managing chronic pain. Recently, it was reported to show a positive therapeutic outcome for managing neuropathic pain condition. We performed an exploratory prospective study on the effectiveness of CT in patients with various types of cancer-related neuropathic pain (CNP).

METHOD

We performed an open-labeled, single-arm, exploratory study on the effectiveness of CT in patients with various types of cancer-related neuropathic pain (CNP). The primary endpoint was a comparison of the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score at one month with the baseline score in each patient. Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and consumption of opioid were also evaluated during follow-up period.

RESULTS

CT significantly decreased NRS pain score at one month from baseline (p < 0.001) in 20 patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (n = 6), metastatic bone pain (n = 7), and post-surgical neuropathic pain (n = 7). It also improved overall BPI scores, decreased consumption of rescue opioid (p = 0.050), and was found satisfactory by a half of patients (n = 10, 50.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results suggest that CT may be considered for cancer patients with various types of CNP. Large studies are necessary to confirm our findings and ascertain which additional CNP show positive response to CT.

Cancer Pain Management

Safe, effective, and evidence-based management of cancer-related pain is a cornerstone of comprehensive cancer care. Despite increasing interest in and efforts to improve its management, pain remains poorly controlled in nearly half of all patients with cancer, with little change in the past 20 years. Limited training in pain assessment and management, overestimation of providers' own skills to treat pain, and failure to refer patients to pain specialists can result in suboptimal pain management with devastating effects on quality of life, physical functioning, and increased psychological distress. From a thorough assessment of cancer-related pain to appropriate treatments that may include opiates, adjuvant medications, nerve blocks, and nondrug interventions, this article is intended as a brief overview of the mechanisms and types of pain as well as a review of current, new, and promising approaches to its management.