Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Cryotherapy in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Between Upper and Lower Extremities: Results from the Randomized CROPSI Study

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study aimed to demonstrate the higher efficacy of cryotherapy in temperature reduction in the upper compared to the lower extremity when used for prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). <b>Methods</b>: This study was conducted between May 2020 and January 2023 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Innsbruck. The analysis included all patients from the CROPSI study who received cryotherapy on their upper (UEX) and lower extremity (LEX) and had completed all assessments from start to end of chemotherapy as well as follow-up. The assessments included temperature measurements and neurological tests during CT and at follow-up after completion of CT. <b>Results</b>: Of the 97 patients recruited in the study, 50 completed all assessments and were therefore included in this analysis. Cryotherapy was more effective when cooling was applied to the upper extremity compared to the lower. On the upper extremity, cryotherapy achieved a cooling effect of 12.5 °C compared to 9.6 °C on the lower extremity (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Patients scored better in both neurological tests on their upper extremity compared to lower. Regarding side effects, there was no significant difference between upper and lower extremities. No severe side effects were reported for either location. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our study suggests that currently available devices for continuous cooling for cryotherapy are significantly more effective on the upper extremity.