Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common neurological complication of cancer treatment. It may have a significant negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) and treatment outcome. Studies showed that high power laser therapy (HPLT) has an effect on peripheral neuropathy. The Purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-power laser therapy on chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Methodology: thirty patients with CIPN who received taxanes , platinum or vincristine agents were assigned to two equal groups ( Study group & Control group ): Study group received high power LASER therapy and control group received sham laser ,treatment was conducted for 30 minutes ,3days/week for six weeks and both groups were given routine medical treatment .Modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS) was used to assess severity of CIPN. The sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude (SNAPA),Conduction velocity (CV), tibial compound motor action potential amplitude (CMAPA) and conduction velocity (CV) were measured pre and post treatment to assess severity of CIPN. Results: There was a significant increase in sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude and tibial compound motor action potential amplitude in the study group post treatment compared with that of control group, and there was a statistically significant decrease in the mTNS score in the study group post treatment compared with the control group. Conclusion: High power LASER therapy has a significant positive effect in reduction of severity of CIPN. So, high power LASER therapy is an effective and beneficial method in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer receiving taxanes, platinum or vincristine treatment

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