Sound waves may spot nerve harm in cancer patients

NCT ID NCT03958747

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This pilot study tested whether ultrasound can detect nerve damage caused by the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin in people with gastrointestinal cancer. Twenty participants who had or were receiving oxaliplatin and had symptoms of nerve damage underwent nerve ultrasounds, skin biopsies, and exams. The goal was to see if ultrasound could measure nerve changes better than current methods.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive way to diagnose chemotherapy-induced nerve damage, helping doctors adjust treatment earlier.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The ultrasound method is still experimental and needs much more testing.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm digestive system cancer digestive system neoplasm esophageal cancer malignant pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COLORECTAL CANCER GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

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