Acupuncture for taste disorders in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Hypoglossal Acupuncture for Dysgeusia in Gynecologic Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if acupuncture can help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who have taste problems feel better and improve their appetite.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universität Duisburg-Essen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT02304913 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are cancer patients experiencing dysgeusia while receiving chemotherapy, specifically those with senological, gynecological, or internistic tumors.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing taste disorders due to neurological diseases, diabetes, or other medications, as well as those with severe comorbidities, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for alleviating taste disorders in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been studied for other chemotherapy-related side effects, this specific approach for dysgeusia is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia and 2 other locations
- Department of Gynecology & Gynecologic Oncology, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte — Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (Active_not_recruiting)
- Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Internistische Onkologie — Mannheim, Germany (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
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.