Ultrasound-guided versus traditional IV insertion for adults receiving anti-cancer treatment
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)
NA · University of Galway · NCT07208175
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 98 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Galway (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Galway, Ireland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07208175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Galway, Ireland and 1 other locations
- 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
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.
Conditions: Cancer