Acupuncture treatment for cognitive impairment in elderly cancer patients
The Role of Chinese Acupuncture for Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Cancer Patients
This study is testing if acupuncture combined with herbal treatments can help older cancer patients with memory problems caused by chemotherapy feel better compared to standard drug therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 168 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu) |
| Trial ID | NCT05876988 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Chinese acupuncture combined with herbal decoctions in treating cognitive impairment, known as 'chemobrain', in elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A total of 168 patients aged over 60 with clinically confirmed chemobrain will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture treatment or conventional drug therapy. The acupuncture group will undergo electroacupuncture sessions twice a week for eight weeks, while the control group will receive standard care. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to measure cognitive function improvements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly cancer patients over 60 years old who are experiencing cognitive impairment related to chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who have received chemotherapy in the past two years or have certain medical conditions such as epilepsy or a history of mood disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for elderly cancer patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited supporting evidence for this specific approach, acupuncture has shown promise in other studies for managing symptoms related to cancer treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Elderly cancer patients \>60 years old; 2. Patients clinically confirmed with malignant tumor ; 3. Chemotherapy related cognitive impairment anticipated. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Chemotherapy received in the past two years; 2. Implanted pacemaker in the body and epilepsy or other unstable diseases. 3. Participated in drug research within the past six years; 4. Alcohol or drug abuse in the past years; 5. Fear of needles; 6. History of stroke or head trauma; 7. Have a history of mood disorders or mental illness.
Where this trial is running
Nanjing, Jiangsu
- Nanjing First Hospital — Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yongling Gong, doctor
- Email: gongyongling26@163.com
- Phone: +8618915953828
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.