Refining Compression Therapy for the Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients: Sub- analyses of a Patient Survey

Background: Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Previous findings suggest that compression therapy may be a safe and effective preventive strategy against TIPN. However, patient-reported comfort and usability aspects of such therapy remain underexplored. Methods: This sub-analysis of a Phase I single-arm, open-label trial focused on patient-reported outcomes related to the subjective experience of compression therapy using double-layered surgical gloves and stockings during taxane administration. Parameters such as discomfort, pressure, pain, and itch in hands and feet were collected via questionnaires from 10 patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Post hoc univariable analyses were conducted to explore potential factors associated with discomfort scores. Results: Most patients reported minimal discomfort and no pain in hands or feet during therapy. Perceived pressure was generally rated as “slight” to “mild,” though higher in calves than toes or fingertips. No statistically significant associations were identified between discomfort scores and other reported factors, though a positive trend between pain and discomfort was observed. Free-text responses highlighted that application and removal of double-layer compression garments posed greater challenges than physical discomfort itself. Conclusions: Compression therapy using standard gloves and stockings appears tolerable and feasible for TIPN prevention. However, ease of application rather than discomfort may be the primary barrier to patient compliance. Future designs should prioritize usability and fit to ensure sustained adherence in clinical and home settings. Trial registration jRCTs032210221, registered on 4 August 2021.