The Long-Term Impact of Neurofeedback on Symptom Burden and Interference in Patients With Chronic Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Context Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment and may adversely affect quality of life (QOL) for years. Objectives We explored the long-term effects of electroencephalographic neurofeedback (NFB) as a treatment for CIPN and other aspects of QOL. Methods Seventy-one cancer survivors (mean age 62.5; 87% females) with CIPN were randomized to NFB or to a waitlist control (WLC) group. The NFB group underwent 20 sessions of NFB where rewards were given for voluntary changes in electroencephalography. Measurements of pain, cancer-related symptoms, QOL, sleep, and fatigue were obtained at baseline, end of treatment, and one and four months later. Results Seventy one participants enrolled in the study. At the end of treatment, 30 in the NFB group and 32 in the WLC group completed assessments; at four months, 23 in the NFB group and 28 in the WLC completed assessments. Linear mixed model analysis revealed significant group × time interaction for pain severity. A general linear model determined that the NFB group had greater improvements in worst pain (primary outcome) and other symptoms such as numbness, cancer-related symptom severity, symptom interference, physical functioning, general health, and fatigue compared with the WLC group at the end of treatment and four months (all P Conclusion NFB appears to result in long-term reduction in multiple CIPN symptoms and improved postchemotherapy QOL and fatigue.