Acupuncture for taste disorders in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

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 randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of hypoglossal acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture and standard dietary recommendations for treating dysgeusia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Dysgeusia, a common side effect of chemotherapy, can significantly impact appetite and quality of life. The study aims to provide evidence for acupuncture as a potential treatment option for this condition, which currently lacks adequate therapeutic alternatives. Participants will be cancer patients with specific eligibility criteria, including those undergoing platinum-containing or taxane-based chemotherapy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Initial treatment with platinum-containing or taxane-based CTX (regardless of the the length of the CTX cycle)
* Senological, gynecological or internistic tumors
* Phantogeusia (on average ≥4 NRS)
* Willingness to participate in the study and written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe stomatitis
* Dysgeusia before the CTX based on neurological diseases, diabetes, or the ingestion of drugs with taste disorders as side effects
* Leucopenia/neutropenia
* Intake of anticoagulants
* Smoking
* Severe physical or mental comorbidity (due to which the patient is unable to participate in the study)
* Participation in other CAM treatments within the integrative oncology care
* Participation in other studies on the effectiveness of interventions for oral complications

Where it's running

• Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Internistische Onkologie
  Mannheim, Germany Recruiting
• Department of Gynecology & Gynecologic Oncology, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte
  Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Active not recruiting
• Robert Bosch Krankenhaus Stuttgart
  Stuttgart, Germany Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Heidemarie Haller, PhD
• Email: heidemarie.haller@uk-essen.de
• Phone: +4920172377382

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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.