Early Detection of Taxane-Induced Neuropathy in Women With Breast Cancer

Inclusion Criteria for Women with Breast Cancer:

Age 18-85
Able to read, write, and understand English
Diagnosed with histologically-confirmed, first-time, non-metastatic breast cancer (stage I-IIIB)
No prior exposure to neurotoxic chemotherapy or radiation at the time of enrollment,
Will be receiving weekly paclitaxel (Taxol® or generic paclitaxel, 80- 100mg/m2) or bi-weekly Taxol (i.e., dose-dense; 175 mg/m2) as a part of their cancer treatment regimen OR
Will be receiving an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by weekly paclitaxel (Taxol® or generic paclitaxel, 80-100mg/m2) or bi-weekly Taxol (i.e., dose-dense; 175 mg/m2) as a part of their cancer treatment regimen;

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls:

Aged 18-85
Can read, write, and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

A history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or peripheral arterial/vascular disease;
Current use of (1) medications/supplements to control blood pressure (e.g. beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, Phosphodiesterase-5 (PGE5) inhibitors) or (2) the use of statins for cholesterol;
Suspected or diagnosed diabetes (with the exception of gestational diabetes);
Pre-existing neuropathy, neuropathic pain, or nerve injury;
Pain or significant arthritis in the toes of either foot;
Current skin disease or fungal infection of the feet;
Significant damage or deformity to the feet that would alter blood flow or make it impossible to measure/interpret findings;
Diagnosed or suspected vasospastic disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;
Current use of tobacco/tobacco-containing products;
Diagnosis of restless leg syndrome or other movement disorders that would prevent accurate data from being able to be collected.

In-Study Restrictions:

No caffeine- or alcohol-containing products for 12 hours prior to their study visit;
No food for at least one hour prior to blood flow monitoring;
No non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for 24 hours prior to study visits unless directed by a physician to do so.

(Note: These restrictions are designed to improve the rigor and quality of the data, but non-compliance will not be grounds for study exclusion; adherence to these restrictions will be monitored during self-report).