New Brain Stimulation Research Offers Hope for Cancer Survivors with Nerve Damage

Brendan McNeish, MD,  is  an assistant professor at the University of Michigan and recipient of the 2025 American Neuromuscular Foundation Development Grant. He and his team are investigating an innovative approach to treat a common side effect of cancer. His research targets chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a condition that affects many cancer survivors with chronic pain and difficulty sensing their limbs. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage pain symptoms, Dr. McNeish's work explores whether stimulating the brain's sensorimotor cortex with a non-invasive technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can restore sensory and motor function.

The research addresses a critical gap in current care. While existing neuropathy medications focus on pain relief through the central nervous system, they do not improve patients' ability to feel and move normally. Dr. McNeish's clinical trial investigates whether targeting the brain can modify nerve signals and restore both sensory and motor functions. "We're testing a safe brain stimulation technique to see if it can help improve proprioception and reduce pain, ultimately helping people regain better movement and comfort," he explains.

If successful, this research could revolutionize treatment for cancer survivors dealing with neuropathy, offering physicians a new tool that goes beyond symptom management to restore sensory and motor function. The approach could benefit patients with other types of neuropathy as well, representing a shift toward treatments that improve mobility and overall quality of life rather than simply masking symptoms.