“While we've explored lots of avenues to study this treatment and add to the body of medical literature, none of this would have been possible without VeloSano.” – Dr. Shoemaker
Co-Investigator
Co-Investigator
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming experience, and the journey through treatment can be incredibly difficult. Unfortunately, the challenges don’t always end when the treatment does. Life afterward can be difficult due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a debilitating side effect that impacts survivors’ everyday activities, like walking or driving.
Palliative care is all about reducing suffering and improving the quality of life for patients. This goal is at the heart of a revolutionary trial led by Laura Shoemaker, DO, the Chair of the Department of Palliative and Supportive Care at Cleveland Clinic. With support from VeloSano funding, she and her team, including Chirag Patel, MD, and Renato Samala, MD, are launching a study using Scrambler Therapy, a safe, effective and non-pharmacologic treatment for CIPN.
“It’s a machine that gives the body electrical signals that essentially tries to confuse the nerves into thinking that these constant pain or tingling sensations are no longer there,” says Dr. Patel. “People suffer from pain and tingling as a complication of the chemo, and this becomes a lifelong issue. We’re trying to eliminate or at least decrease the intensity of these symptoms.”
The initial study was funded by VeloSano a few years ago. Now, they are continuing this important work by conducting a trial in which half of the patients will receive Scrambler Therapy, while the other half will not in an effort to measure its efficacy. However, all patients will receive therapy after the study concludes.
“We hope that this therapy will not only offer people a safe and comfortable solution to a problem that’s either limiting their cancer treatment or limiting their lifelong comfort and function but also decrease their reliance on prescription medications that carry a lot of burdensome side effects,” says Dr. Shoemaker. “This is a continuation of something we started with VeloSano, and we are now able to offer it to more patients.”
CIPN can often persist for months, years and even a lifetime. “A patient of mine said that he felt like he was walking on LEGOs all the time,” says Dr. Samala. “So imagine the discomfort. With this technology, we are able to treat and maybe even cure this condition without having patients pop a pill.”
As an 11-year rider in Bike to Cure, Dr. Shoemaker exemplifies the spirit and dedication of the event, understanding firsthand the transformative power of research. “The real impact lies in restoring patients to their full potential, whether it’s returning to work or enjoying the leisure activities that most of us take for granted,” says Dr. Shoemaker.
100% For The Cure
