Electroacupuncture for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study tests if electroacupuncture can help men aged 40 to 80 with benign prostatic hyperplasia feel better and improve their urinary symptoms compared to a fake treatment.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 306 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: Male
• Sponsor: Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT05585450 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture in men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compared to a sham electroacupuncture treatment. Participants will be men aged 40 to 80 years who have experienced lower urinary tract symptoms for at least three months. The study will measure outcomes such as symptom relief and urinary function to determine the potential benefits of electroacupuncture for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men aged 40 to 80 with a confirmed diagnosis of BPH and significant lower urinary tract symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with prostate cancer or severe urinary retention are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive option for alleviating symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on electroacupuncture specifically for BPH, acupuncture has shown promise in treating various urological conditions in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of BPH in accordance with the European Association of Urology (EAU) guideline;
2. Male participants aged between 40 and 80 years;
3. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) for at least three months;
4. IPSS total score ≥8;
5. Prostate volume ≥20 mL;
6. Urinary peak flow rate (Qmax) ≤15 mL/s;
7. Voluntary participation in the trial and signed written informed content.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Post-void residual urine volume (PVR) ≥150 mL;
2. Acute urinary retention or catheterization for outflow obstruction within the 3 months (Except for post-surgical disposable catheterization);
3. Prostate cancer or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≥4.0 ng/mL;
4. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction; prostatitis; uncontrolled symptomatic urinary tract infections; urethral strictures; bladder diverticula; bladder stones; bladder cancer; history of genitourinary system surgery (prostate, bladder, urethra, etc.);
5. Previous acupuncture treatment for BPH in the preceding one month, or α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitor, muscarinic receptor antagonists, or any other specific medication usage in the previous two weeks unless a stable 5α-reductase inhibitor usage of over three months;
6. Severe lung, heart, liver, kidney, metabolic, or mental illness, coagulation dysfunction, or with obvious cognitive dysfunction;
7. Installed cardiac pacemaker, allergy to metal, severe fear of acupuncture or unbearable to the stimulation of EA.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

• Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zhishun Liu — Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
• Study coordinator: Zhishun Liu

Conditions Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; acupuncture; randomized controlled trial; lower urinary tract symptoms