Effect of tango versus exercise on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy after breast cancer treatment: a Phase II...

Up to 80% of individuals with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy develop chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN), a dose-limiting neurotoxic response that degrades postural control, sensory function, and quality of life. To evaluate nonpharmacologic solutions for neuromotor dysfunction among individuals with breast cancer and CIN, we performed a randomized controlled trial of two physical activity protocols: Tango Dance (Tango) and Home Exercise (control).

We enrolled 51 survivors (mean (SD) = 61.2(9.74) years; female: n=50; male: n=1) with breast cancer, CIN, and postural control deficits. We randomized participants 1:1 into Tango (n=25) or Home Exercise (n=26) intervention arms and conducted both interventions for 8 weeks, 2x per week, for up to 60 minutes per class. Postural control function was measured with eyes closed (QEC) and center of pressure (COP) variables calculated included postural sway amplitude (RMSr (primary), RMSx), sway area (COPa). Additionally, we evaluated patient-reported symptoms, clinical function, participation barriers, and adverse events.

Function, neuropathy symptoms, and fatigue improved with both Tango and Home Exercise intervention. Tango alone evidenced retention of postural control improvements after intervention end (RMSr, p=0.0455; RMSx, p=0.0165; COPa, p=0.0183). Tango alone improved Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events patient-reported (PRO-CTCAE) symptoms at 4 (p=0.0402) and 6 (p=0.0110) weeks of training.

Both Tango and Home Exercise improve CIN-related deficits. Tango was superior to Home Exercise in two ways: alleviating symptoms at intervention midpoint and supporting retention of neuromotor gains. Further study is required to identify mechanisms driving these effects.

NCT05114005 (registered 08/15/2021, completed 04/15/2024).