Using acupressure to reduce anxiety in cancer patients undergoing treatment
Official title: Acupressure for Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Acupressure Intervention for Patients Receiving Cancer-Directed Therapy
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT06723041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if acupressure can help reduce anxiety and nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and improve their overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 11, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06723041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are diagnosed with cancer and undergoing systemic antineoplastic therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not currently undergoing chemotherapy or who do not experience significant anxiety may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of acupressure in alleviating anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive true acupressure or sham acupressure, with the option to learn self-administered acupressure techniques. The study aims to assess both the immediate effects of nurse-applied acupressure and the long-term benefits of self-applied techniques. Additionally, it evaluates whether acupressure can help reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and improve overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological method for cancer patients to manage anxiety and improve their quality of life during treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that acupressure can effectively reduce anxiety in various contexts, suggesting potential success for this approach in cancer patients.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Age \>= 18 years and be diagnosed with cancer * NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Undergoing systemic, antineoplastic therapy * NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Ability to provide oral consent * NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Willingness to undergo a nurse-led acupressure intervention * NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Willingness and ability to complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires in English * NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Report acute anxiety as a 5 or higher on a scale for 0 (no anxiety) to 10 (severe anxiety) * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Age \>= 18 years and be diagnosed with cancer * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Undergoing systemic, antineoplastic therapy * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Ability to provide oral consent * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Willingness to undergo a nurse-led acupressure intervention * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Willingness and ability to complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires in English * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Report acute anxiety as a 5 or higher on a scale for 0 (no anxiety) to 10 (severe anxiety) * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Reports 2+/day anxiety episodes at home * SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Interested in learning self-administered acupressure Exclusion Criteria: * Prior experiences with acupressure, or training in acupressure points
Where it's running
-
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elizabeth Cathcart-Rake, MD — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Referral Office
- Email: mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu
- Phone: 855-776-0015
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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.