P02.146 LB
Purpose: Peripheral neuropathy is a common problem that can occur during chemotherapy treatment, resulting in pain, numbness, and reduced function. One promising yet understudied integrative care therapy that may offer pain relief for patients is PSTIM™, a percutaneously placed microchip-controlled pulsed neurotransmitter that provides electrical pulses to specific peripheral nerves in the ear. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of PSTIM™ in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Methods: We conducted a mixed-method retrospective chart review of patients receiving PSTIM™ for CIPN by an integrative oncologist. Charts between Jan/2012 and Nov/2013 were reviewed for a) demographic/clinical variables (e.g., number of PSTIM™ treatments); b) patient pain ratings pre-post PSTIM™ (0–10 scale); and c) functional outcomes (e.g., gait/balance). We used a paired-samples t-test to examine pain scores pre-post PSTIM™ treatment. A qualitative content analysis was used to examine pain and functional outcomes associated with PSTIM™ in those charts that did not have quantitative pain scores documented.
Results: Fifty-eight charts were reviewed. Eighteen patients had pre-post pain scores available for quantitative analyses (Mage=63 years; 67% female). Pain scores significantly decreased after PSTIM™ (Mpre=8.11 vs. Mpost=3.17; t=13.52, p<.001), regardless of number of PSTIM™ treatments (M=4.5; SD=2.5). Content analysis was conducted on the additional 40 charts, 8 of which were drop-outs (i.e., PSTIM™ device placed but no follow-up). Fifty-nine percent of patients with qualitative data (n=19) reported significant improvements and 25% (n=8) reported minimal improvements in pain following PSTIM™. Functional improvements, including improved gait, balance, and activities of daily living were reported often.
Conclusion: PSTIM™ was associated with significant improvements in pain, and significant functional improvements in patients with CIPN. Preliminary results suggest that PSTIM™ may be a useful non-pharmacologic treatment for patients with CIPN. Further controlled studies using prospective research designs and active control groups are warranted.
Contact: Wesley Baas, baaswy@mail.uc.edu
