Using acupressure on ear points to relieve nerve pain from chemotherapy
Auricular Point Acupressure to Manage Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy
This study is looking at how using gentle pressure on specific points in the ear can help cancer patients manage the painful nerve issues caused by chemotherapy, making it easier for them to feel better and enjoy life again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906668 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), a common and debilitating side effect experienced by cancer patients. Patients will be trained to apply gentle pressure on small seeds taped to specific points on their ears, which can provide pain relief within minutes. The treatment is designed to be self-administered three times a day for a total of nine minutes, making it a convenient option for patients. The goal is to improve quality of life and reduce the burden of CIN, which can persist long after cancer treatment has ended.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors who are experiencing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and are seeking alternative pain management strategies.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy or those who have not undergone chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a simple, effective, and non-invasive method for cancer survivors to manage chronic nerve pain caused by chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for acupressure and acupuncture in managing various types of pain, suggesting that this approach may be effective for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy as well.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Constance Margaret — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Constance Margaret
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.