Compression therapy for the prevention of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether compression therapy prevents chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer patients receiving taxanes. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including breast cancer patients treated with taxanes and reporting CTCAE-graded CIPN were eligible. The primary outcome was grade ¿2 CIPN incidence. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled with a random-effects model; heterogeneity was assessed with I2, and bias with the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Results: Three RCTs (n = 195) met criteria. Pooled analysis showed compression therapy significantly lowered CIPN incidence versus control (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15¿0.71, p = 0.004; I2 = 31%). Compared with standard care, compression markedly reduced CIPN (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11¿0.49, p = 0.0001). No significant benefit was observed versus sham compression (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.23¿2.54, p = 0.66). Conclusions: Compression therapy reduced grade ¿2 CIPN in breast cancer patients receiving taxanes, with benefits over standard care but not sham compression, suggesting placebo contributions. Limitations include the small number of available trials and participants. Larger, rigorously sham-controlled studies are required to confirm effectiveness and establish standardized timing and pressure protocols. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD420251055184). © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

publication date

  • January 1, 2025