Acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-related nerve pain after gynecologic cancer
Official title: The Use of Acupuncture to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Gynaecological Cancer Patients - A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06769061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06769061 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Small randomized and pilot studies have suggested acupuncture may help chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but evidence is limited and larger trials are still needed.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Cryotherapy during weekly paclitaxel to reduce chemotherapy-induced numbness and tingling
This study tests whether applying cryotherapy to hands and feet during weekly paclitaxel helps prevent CIPN in women with breast cancer.
-
SIR2501 plus Paclitaxel for solid tumors
This Phase 2 study tests SIR2501 in adults with solid tumors who are starting paclitaxel chemotherapy to see if it is safe and tolerable and to explore its effect on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
-
Non-invasive brain stimulation to help chemotherapy-induced nerve problems in cancer survivors
This trial tests whether a gentle brain stimulation method (tDCS) can help reduce numbness, tingling, and pain from CIPN in cancer survivors who are not currently in treatment.
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Self-applied ear vagus nerve stimulation for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Researchers are testing a small, at-home device that you wear on the ear to see if it eases nerve pain from chemotherapy.
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Blood extracellular vesicles to detect chemotherapy-related nerve damage.
We will test whether tiny blood particles called extracellular vesicles can predict who will develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults receiving taxane, platinum, or antimitotic chemotherapy.
-
Acupuncture for post-stroke swallowing problems
This project tests whether different acupuncture approaches improve swallowing in adults with post-stroke dysphagia.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.