Novel Frostbite Cooling Device for Real-time Assessment and Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects 29%-68% of patients undergoing anticancer treatments within the first month. Traditional cryotherapy methods, such as frozen gloves, can pose risks. This study evaluates the cool-water electric circulation seat (CECS), which maintains a constant 15°C, as a safer alternative.

In this prospective study, 21 healthy Japanese adults underwent 2.5 hours of hand cooling at 15°C, reflecting the standard duration of taxane anticancer drug administration. Microcirculation was evaluated using videocapillaroscopy before and after cooling.

Results showed significant reductions in blood vessel area and altered red blood cell movement postcooling. Finger temperature and vascular area decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and red blood cell movement changed significantly, with most cells shifting from slow (52.4%) or fast (47.6%) movement before cooling to slow (23.8%) or immobile (76.2%) afterward (P < 0.001). Thirty minutes postcooling, 38.1% of participants reported temporary redness, and 28.6% reported pain, both resolving by the next day.

The CECS effectively provides secure cooling, offering a promising approach for CIPN prevention without frostbite risk. These findings highlight the potential advantages of CECS in sustained cooling therapy for CIPN prevention.