The Effect of Taxane Chemotherapy on Balance in Breast Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study is to quantify the balance impairments during and after taxane chemotherapy. Disability due to balance impairments caused by chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause falls, injury, and a decline in independence. This results in poor treatment outcomes such as greater morbidity and mortality, inability to complete treatment protocols, self-limitation of activity, and diminished quality of life.

Sex

Female

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women with breast cancer (stage 0-III)
2. Scheduled to receive any of the following individual treatment protocols:

   1. ACT
   2. Radiation only

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Required assistive device for ambulation in the 6 months prior to starting treatment
2. Previous taxane or platinum chemotherapy (paclitaxel/Taxol®, docetaxel/Taxotere®, cabazitaxel/Jevtana®, cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin)
3. Inability to stand or walk without assistance
4. BMI \>40 (see chart below)
5. Pre-existing vestibular, visual, somatosensory, orthopedic, and neurologic disease before entering the study including but not limited to being legally blind (ICD9 368.3, 369.0-369.2 lower extremity amputation (ICD9 895.0-897.7), and Diabetes (ICD9 249.0-250.93, 257.2)
6. Evidence of central nervous system metastasis
7. Cognitive difficulties or medical conditions that, in the opinion of the study investigators, will affect testing protocols
8. Enrollment in other trial aimed at treating CIPN.

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