Ear acupuncture for patients with multiple myeloma
Auricular Acupuncture in Patients With Advanced Cancer: a Randomized Clinical Trial.
This study tests whether ear acupuncture can help improve the quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma by reducing symptoms like anxiety, pain, and fatigue.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Stuttgart and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05762250 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of auricular acupuncture, specifically using the NADA protocol, on the quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma across all stages. It aims to assess improvements in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Patients currently undergoing therapy and experiencing significant distress will be included in the study. The intervention involves applying acupuncture techniques to specific points on the ear to alleviate these symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients with multiple myeloma who are currently receiving therapy and experiencing persistent symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with medical or mental conditions that prevent participation, or those undergoing radiation therapy in the skull area, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from multiple myeloma by alleviating distressing symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of auricular acupuncture for multiple myeloma is novel, similar acupuncture approaches have shown promise in managing symptoms in other conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients with advanced tumour diseases on current therapy, who suffer from persistent disease- or therapy-associated symptoms and limitations (screening by distress thermometer, score ≥ 5) * Informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * medical reasons or * a mental condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, does not allow the patient to participate in the study, * a planned radiation therapy in the area of the skull (to avoid potential scattered radiation), * a missing legally binding signature on the informed consent form, * participation in another acupuncture/acupressure study.
Where this trial is running
Stuttgart and 1 other locations
- Robert Bosch Krankenhaus — Stuttgart, Germany (Recruiting)
- University Hospital Wuerzburg — Würzburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Claudia Loeffler, Dr — Wuerzburg University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Claudia Loeffler, Dr
- Email: loeffler_C@ukw.de
- Phone: +49 93120144966
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.