Acupoint herbal patching to relieve qi deficiency and constipation during chemotherapy
Clinical Study on Acupoint Application Based on the Theory of "State-target Syndrome Differentiation" in Relieving qi Deficiency and Constipation in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Postoperative Chemotherapy
This trial tests whether applying herbal patches to acupuncture points can help adults with colorectal cancer who have qi deficiency and constipation while they receive postoperative chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) |
| Trial ID | NCT07276932 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers first developed a standardized acupoint application protocol for patients with qi deficiency and constipation using literature review and two rounds of Delphi expert consultation. They will conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing the acupoint application plus routine constipation care versus routine care alone in postoperative colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Outcomes include constipation symptom relief, overall clinical efficacy, and patient comfort. The study excludes patients with other organic digestive diseases, severe organ failure, or allergy to the treatment and is conducted at a single center in Hangzhou, Zhejiang.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with a clinical diagnosis of colorectal cancer who have had surgery, are receiving postoperative chemotherapy, and are diagnosed with qi deficiency and constipation are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with other organic digestive or anal diseases, severe cardiac/hepatic/renal insufficiency, or known allergy to the constipation paste are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce constipation symptoms and increase comfort for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies of acupoint application or acupuncture for chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms have reported symptom improvement, but high-quality randomized evidence is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Clinical diagnosis of colorectal cancer 2. Chemotherapy was performed after surgery 3. Diagnosis of qi deficiency and constipation 4. Age ≥18 years old Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clinical diagnosis of other digestive tract or anal organic diseases 2. Observed with severe cardiac, hepatic, renal insufficiency or other complications 3. Allergic constitution or allergy to a drug in constipation paste
Where this trial is running
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yan Yang
- Email: 2201031@zju.edu.cn
- Phone: 0571-86993370
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.