Acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-related nerve pain after gynecologic cancer
The Use of Acupuncture to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Gynaecological Cancer Patients - A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
This pilot will try acupuncture to see if it reduces chemotherapy-caused nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people treated for gynecological cancers with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06769061 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center, pilot, randomized controlled trial at Queen Mary Hospital enrolling gynecological cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after platinum-plus-paclitaxel treatment. Participants are randomized 1:1:1 to electroacupuncture, sham acupuncture, or a waiting-list usual-care control, with blinding of patients and assessors between the real and sham acupuncture arms. The trial uses standardized screening (including PNQ score ≥ C and bloodwork) and delivers 12 acupuncture sessions, with sham and wait-list participants offered active treatment after study completion. Results will inform feasibility and provide preliminary effectiveness data to plan a larger multicenter trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) with ovarian, endometrial, or cervical cancer who completed at least six cycles of carboplatin or cisplatin plus paclitaxel at least three months ago, have PNQ grade C or higher, ECOG 0–2, and life expectancy over six months.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing non-chemotherapy neuropathy, ongoing chemotherapy, bleeding or clotting disorders, platelet counts below 50, pacemakers, recent acupuncture, or on routine anticoagulants are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, acupuncture could reduce numbness, tingling, and pain from chemotherapy and improve daily function and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Small randomized and pilot studies have suggested acupuncture may help chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but evidence is limited and larger trials are still needed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or above * Diagnosis of uterine (endometrial) cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer * ECOG=0-2 * Life expectancy of \> 6 months * Completed at least 6 cycles of carboplatin or cisplatin chemotherapy together with paclitaxel at least 3 months before joining the study * Able to read and understand the questionnaires * PNQ score of C or above Exclusion Criteria: * Bleeding tendency * Abnormal clotting profile * Platelet lower than 50 * Received acupuncture in the past * Currently receiving chemotherapy treatment * Known neurological disorders or pre-existing neuropathy unrelated to chemotherapy * Routinely take aspirin or any anticoagulant drugs * Having active skin infection * With pacemaker
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karen Kar Loen Prof CHAN, MBBChir (Cantab); MD (HK) — Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Karen Kar Loen CHAN, MBBChir (Cantab); MD (HK)
- Email: kklchan@hku.hk
- Phone: 852-2255 4265
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.