Acupuncture to reduce pain during prostate biopsy

Acupuncture for Analgesia in Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Medipol University · NCT06987071

This study is testing if acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve the experience for men undergoing a prostate biopsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexMale
SponsorMedipol University Academic / other
Locations1 site (İstanbul)
Trial IDNCT06987071 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating pain and enhancing the patient experience during transperineal prostate biopsy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a sham treatment, alongside standard local anesthesia. The primary focus is on measuring pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while secondary outcomes include anxiety levels, additional analgesic use, patient satisfaction, and any adverse events. The study aims to provide evidence on whether acupuncture can serve as a beneficial adjunct for pain management in this procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men indicated for a transperineal prostate biopsy who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to acupuncture, those requiring sedation, or individuals with severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-pharmacological option for pain relief during prostate biopsies, improving patient comfort and satisfaction.

How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has shown promise in managing procedural pain in various settings, its specific application for transperineal prostate biopsy is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Indicated for transperineal prostate biopsy (e.g., elevated PSA, abnormal digital rectal exam).
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known allergy or contraindication to acupuncture (e.g., bleeding disorder, needle phobia).
* Requirement for sedation or general anesthesia.
* Previous experience with acupuncture treatment.
* Severe psychiatric disorders or diagnosed anxiety disorder.

Where this trial is running

İstanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerPain ManagementAcupuncture AnalgesiaProstate Biopsyacupunctureprostate cancertransperineal prostat biopsyacupuncture anesthesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.