HGWD Improve the Paclitaxel-related Neurotoxicity in Patients With BC

This open-label, single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was planned to be conducted in the National Cancer Center in China from January 2020 to June 2022.The eligible paticipants were assigned randomly in a 1:1 ratio to a study group (HGWD group) or a control group. PASS software (version 15.0) (Kaysville, Utah, USA) was used to calculate the sample size. Assuming α = 0.05 and 1-β = 0.8, a total of 80 patients were needed for the aim of decreasing the grade 2-3 PN from 60% to 30%. Assuming a lost-to-follow-up rate of 15%, a total of 92 patients were needed. The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevention of nab-PTX-induced PN by soaking hands and/or feet with HGWD when compared to placebo.

The inclusion criteria comprised: ˑ histologically confirmed untreated BC; ˑ female; ˑage from 18 to 65 years old; ( ˑ Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score of 0 or 1; ˑat least receiving 4 cycles of nab-PTX (260mg/m2); ˑ grade 2 or greater nab-PTX induced-PN evaluated by European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer-Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20)(12, 13); ˑ estimated survival time \> 6 months. The exclusion criteria were： ˑ a history of diabetes or neurological disorders; ˑmental disorder; ˑabnormal hepatic functions (total bilirubin upper limit of normal (ULN), alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase ≥ 2.5 × ULN ), renal functions(creatinine ≥ 1.5 × ULN), and hematological functions (absolute neutrophil count ≤ 1.5 × 109/L, platelet count ≤ 80 × 109/L, hemoglobin \< 90 g/L); ˑFailure to complete chemotherapy due to treatment-related adverse events; ˑ a family history of a genetic neuropathy; ˑhad received previous treatment with neurotoxic chemotherapy, including oxaliplatin, cisplatin, vinca alkaloid and etc.; ˑ a history of allergy to Chinese medicine.