Acupressure for dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of self-administered acupressure on xerostomia, or dry mouth, in patients with head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupressure or oral health education, with the primary goal of assessing improvements in xerostomia symptoms. Secondary outcomes include quality of life and symptom severity evaluations. The study also aims to explore patient expectations and the acceptability of acupressure as a treatment option.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥18 years;
* able to give informed consent;
* diagnosed with head and neck cancer (cancers in the head and neck region, e.g. oral cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer);
* completed radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy for at least 2 weeks;
* complains of xerostomia after the treatment;
* able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin.

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of xerostomia prior to head and neck cancer treatment (e.g., Sjögren Syndrome);
* practiced acupressure or received acupuncture in the last 3 months;
* having contraindications to acupressure, e.g. blood system disease (e.g., leukemia); pregnancy; lactating; upper or lower extremity deformities; infection or injuries at the acupoints.

Those who are taking medications/alternative substances to treat xerostomia on a fixed dosage regimen in the past one month will not be excluded.

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Where it's running

• Queen Mary Hospital
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Denise Cheung, PhD — School of Nursing, the University of Hong Kong
• Study coordinator: Denise Cheung, PhD
• Email: denisest@hku.hk
• Phone: 39176673

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.