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Topical Capsaicin for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Trial Status: approved

This clinical trial tests how well topical capsaicin patches work in treating pain and improving gait (the pattern of walking) in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is a challenging complication of many chemotherapeutic regimens. It is most commonly associated with three types of cancer treatment: vinca alkaloid, such as vincristine; taxanes, such as taxol; and bortezomib. CIPN is characterized by numbness, tingling sensations, persistent shooting, stabbing, or burning pain, loss of skin sensation, muscle weakness in the arms or legs, and impaired balance. Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract with analgesic properties and works as a neuropeptide releasing agent selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons. Used topically, capsaicin aids in controlling peripheral nerve pain. Giving capsaicin patches topically may be effective in treating patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.