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

Background: 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.

Methods: 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: 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.

Conclusions: 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.