Refining compression therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients: a sub-analysis of patient-reported discomfort and usability

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect of taxane-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Previous findings suggest that compression therapy may be a safe and effective preventive strategy against CIPN. However, patient-reported comfort and usability aspects of such therapy remain underexplored. This sub-analysis aimed to evaluate patient-reported discomfort and pressure associated with compression therapy and explore potential usability barriers to compliance. METHODS: This sub-analysis of a Phase I single-arm, open-label trial focused on patient-reported outcomes related to the subjective experience of compression therapy using double-layered surgical gloves and stockings during taxane administration. Parameters such as discomfort, pressure, pain, and itch in hands and feet were collected via questionnaires from 10 patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Post hoc univariable analyses were conducted to explore potential factors associated with discomfort scores. RESULTS: Most patients reported minimal discomfort (mean hand discomfort score: 1.8; mean foot discomfort score: 2.2) and no pain in hands or feet during therapy. Mean perceived pressure scores were generally rated as “slight” to “mild,” though higher in calves (3.0) than toes (2.6) or fingertips (2.8). No statistically significant associations were identified between discomfort scores and other reported factors, though a positive trend between pain and discomfort was observed. Free-text responses highlighted that application and removal of double-layer compression garments posed greater challenges than physical discomfort itself. CONCLUSIONS: Compression therapy using standard gloves and stockings appears tolerable and feasible for CIPN prevention. However, ease of application rather than discomfort may be the primary barrier to patient compliance. Future designs should prioritize usability and fit to ensure sustained adherence, especially in clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: jRCTs032210221, registered on 4 August 2021.