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Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)Phase 2NCT07693387

Topical Herbal Medicine for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

A Phase 2 study testing menthol-based hand and foot gloves in people with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), run by Taiwan Municipal An-Nan Hospital-China Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if menthol works to relieve chronic neuropathic pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of menthol-containing gloves and foot-covers, specifically whether they can improve… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 100 years
What is being tested?
menthol-based hand and foot gloves
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
12 May 2025to 31 Jan 2027
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 100 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 1. All adult cancer patients (Age≧20-year-old) who received chemotherapy regimens, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy.
  • 2. Stage I-IV cancer patients.
  • 3. Who received chemotherapy regimens, including Taxanes (paclitaxel or docetaxel), platinum (cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin).
  • 4. Who have received two cycle or have completed the neurotoxic chemotherapy regimen(24).
  • 5. Baseline von Frey Monofilament test (Target force at hand) ≧ 0.07gms.
  • 6. Baseline von Frey Monofilament test (Target force at foot) ≧ 0.4gms.
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  • 7. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≦3.
  • 8. Grading of peripheral sensory neuropathy in National Cancer Institute- common terminology criteria for adverse events,v5.0 (NCI-CTCAE5) ≧1.
  • 9. Written patient informed consent.
  • 10. Discontinue analgesics or maintain the same dosage throughout the study period. (e.g., duloxetine, or another analgesia, including Pregabalin, Venlafaxine, Minocycline, Topical gel, Oxycodone, Naloxone, Cannabinoids).

Who cannot join

  • 1. Uncontrolled Diabetic Mellitus, HbA1c≧7% is inappropriate(25).
  • 2. Diabetic neuropathy diagnosed before receiving chemotherapy.
  • 3. Neuropathy from any type of nerve compression (e.g., carpal/tarsal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, brachial plexopathy).
  • 4. Other diseases that cause peripheral neuropathy (e.g., Severe chronic kidney disease, hepatitis, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, viral infections such as HIV and syphilis, alcohol poisoning, inflammatory diseases such as chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy, heavy metal poisoning, hereditary neuropathies).
  • 5. Limb trauma that has resulted in vascular and nerve damage.
  • 6. Individuals with severe mental illness or cognitive impairments who are unable to provide informed consent.
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  • 7. Severe hemorrhagic coagulopathy or bleeding tendency.
  • 8. Unstable cardiovascular disease.
  • 9. Severe skin lesions around the treatment sites.
  • 10. Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • 11. Participants who are concurrently enrolled in additional clinical trials.
  • 12. Individuals allergic to topical menthol.
  • 13. Adults weighing less than 50 kilograms.
  • 14. The researchers will exclude any participants considered to be inappropriate for the study.
  • 15. Profound weight loss (>5% to 10% of body weight).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Taiwan1 site
  • An Nan Hospital, China Medical University

    Tainan, Taiwan, 709

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: Development of Topical Herbal Medicine to Alleviate Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Basic Research and Clinical Trials

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if menthol works to relieve chronic neuropathic pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of menthol-containing gloves and foot-covers, specifically whether they can improve patient-reported hypoesthesia (numbness). Secondary objectives include assessing the sustained effects on pain, dysesthesia (abnormal sensations), allodynia (touch-induced pain), and overall quality of life. Additionally, this study will include an exploratory lab analysis using blood samples to investigate potential biological markers (small extracellular vesicles and microRNA) associated with treatment responses. Participants will be asked to: Wear menthol-containing gloves and foot-covers (or shams) daily for 5 minutes per session over a 14-day period. Attend clinic visits on Days 1, 14, 21, and 28 for evaluations and tests.

Read the detailed description

Our laboratory previously discovered a unique and simple-to-apply neuroprotective method involving topical menthol treatment. In an animal model, this approach demonstrated prominent anti-inflammatory effects and improved behavioral outcomes (published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2022). Based on these findings, we hypothesize that topical menthol can alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).To test this hypothesis, our team conducted a preliminary open-label clinical study (IRB: TMANH112-REC025) evaluating menthol-based gloves and foot-covers. The pilot results revealed that the 8% menthol concentration significantly improved tactile sensation sensitivity via von Frey monofilament testing. Notably, after a 14-day intervention, the therapeutic effects appeared to persist for up to 21 days.While the small sample size in the pilot stage limited the statistical power to detect significant differences in subjective symptoms like numbness (NRS) or overall quality of life, the trending improvements in physical tactile sensation warrant a rigorous validation. Therefore, this expanded, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is scientifically designed to provide adequate statistical power to confirm the sustained clinical efficacy and safety of 8% topical menthol treatment, while exploring underlying biological mechanisms through plasma-derived small extracellular vesicle biomarker analysis in CIPN patients.

Being tested
menthol-based hand and foot gloves, Sham menthol-based hand and foot gloves
Keywords
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Menthol, Neuropathic pain, small extracellular vesicles
Medical subject headings
Neuralgia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • menthol-based hand and foot glovesDrug

    Participants will undergo a two-week intervention, wearing the menthol gloves for five minutes once daily.

  • Sham menthol-based hand and foot glovesDrug

    Participants will undergo a two-week intervention, wearing the sham menthol gloves for five minutes once daily.

Study groups in NCT07693387
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
8% menthol groupExperimentalParticipants will undergo a two-week intervention, wearing the menthol gloves for five minutes once daily.
Receives: Drug: menthol-based hand and foot gloves
sham menthol groupSham comparatorParticipants will undergo a two-week intervention, wearing the sham menthol gloves for five minutes once daily.
Receives: Drug: Sham menthol-based hand and foot gloves

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of hypoesthesia

    Measured: The NRS of hypoesthesia will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), Day 21, and Day 28 (end of study).

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of dysesthesia

    Measured: The NRS of dysesthesia will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), Day 21, and Day 28 (end of study).

  2. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of allodynia

    Measured: The NRS of allodynia will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), Day 21, and Day 28 (end of study).

  3. BPI-SF;the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form

    Change from baseline in average pain severity and pain interference scores, as assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF). The BPI-SF average pain severity score utilizes a 0-10 numeric rating scale, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), where higher scores indicate a greater degree of pain. The BPI-SF also measures pain interference across seven daily functions (general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relations with other people, sleep, and enjoyment of life), with each item scored from 0 (no interference) to 10 (interferes completely).

    Measured: BPI-SF will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), and Day 28 (end of follow-up).

  4. Von Frey Monofilament Test

    Von Frey monofilaments (Semmes-Weinstein von Frey Aesthesiometer, Stoelting Co., Wood Dale, IL, USA):a set of 20 von Frey monofilaments with evaluator size/target forces ranging from 1.65/0.008 g to 6.65/300 g. Each monofilament was calibrated to a target force in grams (g) within a 5% standard deviation. Measurement sites included the sole, tip of the big toe, palm, and tip of the middle finger. All tests were performed by an independent assessor who was blinded to the allocation of randomization. All the procedures followed the operation manual provided by the filament manufacturer.

    Measured: Von Frey Monofilament Test will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), Day 21, and Day 28 (end of study).

  5. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G)

    Change from baseline in health-related quality of life, as assessed by the 27-item FACT-G questionnaire. Scoring and proration for missing items will be performed according to the official FACIT scoring guidelines. The scale covers four primary domains: Physical Well-Being, Social/Family Well-Being, Emotional Well-Being, and Functional Well-Being. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4, with higher total adjusted scores indicating better quality of life.

    Measured: FACT-G will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), and Day 28 (end of follow-up).

  6. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT-Ntx) Subscale

    Change from baseline in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity symptoms, as assessed by the 13-item FACT-Ntx subscale (part of the FACT/GOG-NTX-13 evaluation). Scoring and proration for missing items will be performed according to the official FACIT scoring guidelines. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4, with higher total adjusted scores indicating fewer neurotoxicity symptoms and better neurological function.

    Measured: FACT-Ntx will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), and Day 28 (end of follow-up).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Jul 2026
  2. Study start12 May 2025
  3. Primary completion31 Jan 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Jan 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07693387
Sponsor's protocol ID
TMANH113-REC021(AR-2)
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
3 Jul 2026
Last updated
9 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Colvin LA. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: where are we now? Pain. 2019 May;160 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S1-S10. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001540.

    PubMed 31008843
  • Smith EM, Pang H, Cirrincione C, Fleishman S, Paskett ED, Ahles T, Bressler LR, Fadul CE, Knox C, Le-Lindqwister N, Gilman PB, Shapiro CL; Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. Effect of duloxetine on pain, function, and quality of life among patients with chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013 Apr 3;309(13):1359-67. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.2813.

    PubMed 23549581
  • Park SB, Goldstein D, Krishnan AV, Lin CS, Friedlander ML, Cassidy J, Koltzenburg M, Kiernan MC. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a critical analysis. CA Cancer J Clin. 2013 Nov-Dec;63(6):419-37. doi: 10.3322/caac.21204.

    PubMed 24590861

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing menthol-based hand and foot gloves in people with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), run by Taiwan Municipal An-Nan Hospital-China Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of hypoesthesia (time frame: The NRS of hypoesthesia will be assessed at Baseline (Day 1), Day 14 (end of intervention), Day 21, and Day 28 (end of study).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07693387, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Jul 2026.

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