Nicotine Patch for the Treatment of Pain Associated with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
This phase II trial investigates how well short-term nicotine patch works in treating pain that is associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Some chemotherapies and other drugs used to treat cancer can damage nerves that are around the body and outside of the brain and spinal cord (i.e., peripheral nerves). Peripheral nerves carry sensations (feelings) to the brain and control the movement of our arms and legs. They also control the bladder and bowel. When this happens, it is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a set of symptoms that include pain, burning, tingling, weakness, and loss of feeling or numbness. These symptoms may start in the hands and feet and may move to other parts of the body. CIPN can cause severe pain and can make it difficult to do activities of everyday life. If it gets very bad, it can cause more serious problems like changes in heart rate and blood pressure, dangerous falls, trouble breathing, or loss of muscle function. Nicotine has some pain reducing properties and may be able to help lessen symptoms of CIPN. The purpose of this study is to test whether nicotine, in the form of a nicotine patch that is placed on the skin, can lessen the symptoms of CIPN.