Ultrasound-guided versus traditional IV insertion for adults receiving anti-cancer treatment
Official title: Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (EUPIC) Insertion Versus Traditional (Touch and Feel) Insertion Approaches by Oncology Nurses. A Mixed-methods Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Run by University of Galway · NCT07208175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether using a small handheld ultrasound to guide IV insertion helps adults with cancer getting systemic anti‑cancer therapy get their IV successfully on the first try more often than the traditional touch-and-sight method.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 98 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Galway Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Galway, Ireland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 28, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07208175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with any cancer who are scheduled to receive systemic anti‑cancer therapy and require a peripheral intravenous catheter are suitable candidates if they can give informed consent and cooperate with procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who already have reliable peripheral venous access, who require a central line instead, or who cannot consent or cooperate with the procedure are unlikely to benefit from the interventions tested in this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for systemic anti‑cancer therapy who need a peripheral IV will be randomly assigned to have their IV placed either by the usual landmark (touch-and-sight) technique or using a handheld ultrasound to visualize veins. Oncology nurses trained in both techniques will perform the insertions and the team will record outcomes including first-attempt success, total attempts, procedural time, and patient-reported pain or anxiety. The trial focuses on patients with potentially difficult intravenous access, where multiple attempts are common and can cause discomfort and delays. Participation is voluntary and procedures follow routine clinical care with added data collection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase first-stick success, reduce pain and anxiety, and decrease delays in delivering cancer treatment for patients who need peripheral IVs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in emergency and difficult-access patient groups have shown ultrasound guidance can improve first-attempt IV success, but evidence specifically in oncology outpatients is more limited and mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years or older. Diagnosed with cancer (all cancer sites eligible). Scheduled to receive systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies. Requiring peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion for treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 18 years. Individuals unable to provide informed consent. Individuals unable to cooperate with study procedures (e.g., cognitive or physical limitations preventing adherence).
Where it's running
-
Galway University Hospital
Galway, Ireland, Ireland Recruiting -
Portiuncula University Hospital
Galway, Ireland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Caitriona Duggan — University of Galway
- Study coordinator: Caitriona Duggan
- Email: c.duggan23@universityofgalway.ie
- Phone: +353872213936
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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.