Research Lore Dams

Abstract

A diminished function of the upper limb, meaning difficulties in performing activities of daily living with the arm on the operated side, is highly prevalent, occurring in 50% of cases one year after breast cancer surgery. Post-treatment upper limb issues in breast cancer are complex and multifactorial, involving a variety of underlying mechanisms. In this longitudinal study, we aim to unravel the contribution of peripheral structural and mechanical properties of soft tissues (such as scar stiffness and fibrosis at the breast and shoulder region) to upper limb function in breast cancer survivors. Specifically, we will investigate the role of these factors both in the short term (i.e., within 1 month after surgery) and in the long term (i.e., more than 6 months after surgery and/or radiotherapy). Also, we will investigate whether soft tissue problems in the short term or prognostic for upper limb function in the long term. We will examine both objective and subjective measurements of upper limb function to comprehensively assess it. Unraveling the role of soft tissue factors for upper limb function at different time points after breast cancer surgery and gaining a complete understanding of upper limb function, both subjectively and objectively, is the first crucial step toward the development of prevention and treatment strategies for this issue after breast cancer. In the long term, our aim with this research is to improve the quality of life of women following breast cancer treatment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Groef An
• Co-promoter: Dams Lore

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and prevalent side effect of neurotoxic cancer treatment. The most common CIPN symptoms are sensory and motor symptoms in the hands and/or feet. CIPN may interfere with daily activities as well as with cancer treatment. Although there is proof of concept for exercise in the prevention of CIPN, the quality of the evidence is rather low. As a result, exercise is not included in the current international evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of CIPN (as no other strategy) and exercise is not routinely recommended or prescribed in clinical practice for patients starting chemotherapy. An additional gap is knowledge on the barriers and facilitators of an exercise program during chemotherapy treatment for the prevention of CIPN. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing exercise interventions and adherence, as well as for making integration of exercise into clinical practice more effective in context of the prevention of CIPN. Therefore, the primary goal of the current project is to study the effect of an exercise program on symptoms of CIPN in breast and colon cancer patients receiving taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy. The exercise program is patient-tailored based on exercise guidelines in oncology. A prospective randomized controlled trial with short (3 months) and long-term (6 months) follow up will be conducted with self-reported CIPN symptoms (QLQ-CIPN20, sensory subscale) as primary outcome. Secondary scientific objectives are the effect of the exercise program on CIPN signs (objective examination), mental and social functioning (self-reported) and relative dose intensity of chemotherapy (objective examination). Tertiary scientific objective is to perform a process evaluation. The aim of this process evaluation is to investigate the barriers and facilitators of the exercise program in patients receiving taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy by examining adherence to the exercise program as well as how patients and healthcare providers perceive the implementation of the exercise program. Such process evaluation may aid in identifying determinants of exercise program attrition and offering recommendations for valorisation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dams Lore
• Co-promoter: De Groef An
• Co-promoter: Meeus Mira

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and prevalent side effect of chemotherapy. The most common symptoms are sensory changes in the hands and/or feet. CIPN may interfere with daily activities as well as with the continuation of cancer treatment. Despite the significance of CIPN, there are no evidence-based interventions available that aim to reverse the underlying mechanisms of CIPN. Multimodal exercise is a promising strategy, however, clinical evidence in attenuating CIPN symptoms is limited. It would be groundbreaking if a novel multimodal exercise program consisting of neurodynamic exercises and aerobic and resistance training is effective in attenuating CIPN. Therefore, the goal of this project is to gain in-depth knowledge on how a multimodal exercise program (neurodynamic + aerobic and resistance training) may attenuate CIPN in patients receiving taxane-or platinum-based chemotherapy by investigating 1) the effect of exercise on CIPN symptoms and signs, 2) on CIPN biomarkers (Neurofilament Light Chain, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nerve Growth Factor, inflammatory cytokines) and 3) whether changes in CIPN biomarkers caused by exercise are associated with attenuation of symptoms of CIPN. A prospective randomized controlled trial with mediation analyses will be conducted with self-reported CIPN symptoms as primary outcome and CIPN signs as secondary outcome (quantitative sensory testing), both at short-and long-term.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meeus Mira
• Co-promoter: De Groef An
• Fellow: Dams Lore

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project