Using acupressure on ear points to relieve chemotherapy-related nerve pain

Auricular Point Acupressure to Manage Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10977332

This study is looking at how a gentle ear pressure technique can help cancer patients manage the painful nerve issues caused by chemotherapy, giving them an easy way to feel better on their own.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977332 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of auricular point acupressure (APA) as a non-invasive method to manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) in cancer patients. CIN is a common and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy that can lead to treatment delays and reduced quality of life. In this approach, small seeds are placed on specific ear points, and patients are trained to apply pressure on these points for a few minutes each day to stimulate pain relief. The goal is to provide a simple, self-managed strategy for patients to alleviate their symptoms effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or do not experience neuropathy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer cancer patients a safe and effective way to manage nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar acupressure techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.