Exploring assessment of balance using virtual reality in patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting toxicity for people treated for cancer. Impaired balance and falls are functional consequences of CIPN. Virtual reality (VR) technology may be able to assess balance and identify patients at risk of falls. Aims To assess the impact of potentially neurotoxic chemotherapy on balance using VR, and explore associations between VR balance assessment, falls and CIPN. Methods This prospective, repeated measures longitudinal study was conducted at two Australian cancer centres. Eligible participants were commencing adjuvant chemotherapy containing a taxane for breast cancer, or oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer (CRC), per institutional guidelines. Balance assessments using VR were conducted at baseline, end of chemotherapy and 3 and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Participants also completed a comprehensive CIPN assessment comprising clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and recorded falls or near falls. Results Out of 34 participants consented, 24 (71%) had breast cancer and 10 (29%) had CRC. Compared to baseline, balance threshold was reduced in 10/28 (36%) evaluable participants assessed at the end of chemotherapy, and persistent in 7/22 (32%) at 6 months. CIPN was identified in 86% at end of chemotherapy and persisted to 6 months after chemotherapy completion in 73%. Falls or near falls were reported by 12/34 (35%) participants, and were associated with impaired VR balance threshold (P = 0.002). Conclusions While VR balance assessment was no better at identifying CIPN than existing measures, it is a potential surrogate method to assess patients at risk of falls from CIPN.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the impact of potentially neurotoxic chemotherapy on balance using virtual reality (VR) technology, and explore associations between VR balance assessment, falls, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The results showed that VR balance assessment was not better at identifying CIPN than existing measures, but it can serve as a potential surrogate method to assess patients at risk of falls from CIPN.