Using ear stimulation to reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Official title: Efficacy of Auricular Neurostimulation for Children Adolescents and Young Adults With Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Run by Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05143554 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if a special ear stimulation can help children, teens, and young adults feel less nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT05143554 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include children, adolescents, and young adults scheduled for chemotherapy that is known to cause moderate to severe nausea and vomiting.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant developmental delays, severe infections, or those who are pregnant 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 study evaluates the effectiveness of auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation in children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The research aims to stimulate a branch of the vagus nerve located in the outer ear to potentially alleviate the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham neurostimulation therapy during their chemotherapy cycles, with a crossover to the alternate group in subsequent cycles. The study will monitor nausea, vomiting, the need for additional antiemetic support, and any side effects throughout the treatment period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy by reducing debilitating nausea and vomiting.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of auricular neurostimulation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in managing nausea and vomiting in other contexts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects who are scheduled to be admitted for chemotherapy administration and who will have at least one additional cycle of the same chemotherapy * Chemotherapy regimens must include moderate and/or severe emetogenic chemotherapy Exclusion Criteria: * Significant developmental delays that would prohibit participation * Infection or severe dermatological condition of ear * Uncontrolled or severe infection * No implanted electrical device is permitted * Pregnancy * Severe cardiopulmonary disease * Diagnosis of hemophilia or other bleeding disorders * Diagnosis psoriasis vulgaris
Where it's running
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Children's Wisconsin Hospital
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paul Harker-Murray, MD
- Email: pharker@mcw.edu
- Phone: 414-955-4108
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using Dolasetron to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting in Children with Leukemia
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Using guided imagery to reduce nausea and vomiting in children undergoing chemotherapy
This study is testing if using guided imagery can help reduce nausea and vomiting in children aged 7 to 18 who are receiving chemotherapy.
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Using Thalidomide to Reduce Nausea from Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer
This study is testing if thalidomide can help reduce nausea and improve the quality of life for people with pancreatic cancer who are receiving chemotherapy.
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Using digital technology to manage chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in older adults
This study is testing a digital program to help older adults manage nausea and vomiting while they go through chemotherapy to see if it improves their quality of life.
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.