Using electroacupuncture to help with chemotherapy-induced nerve pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 electroacupuncture in reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in patients who have experienced nerve pain after chemotherapy. It is a randomized controlled trial where participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving true electroacupuncture alongside standard CIPN treatment, and the other receiving sham acupuncture with the same standard treatment. The study aims to determine if electroacupuncture can provide significant relief from symptoms such as numbness and tingling, which can severely impact quality of life. Both groups will be monitored for primary and secondary outcomes related to symptom severity and any adverse effects.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older, of any nationality.
* Patients diagnosed with malignant tumor.
* Eligible patients will report altered sensations and/or pain and/or other neurological symptoms, with a grade between 2-3 for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy on the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events-version 5.0 (NCI-CTCAE.v-5.0).
* Predicted life expectancy of ≥3 months.
* Intact skin without any breaches or purulent discharge.
* Written informed consent by the patient before enrolment Patients must be able to comply with the study protocol, which includes attending the treatment sessions on time and completing the study questionnaires in accordance with the study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of pre-existing peripheral neuropathy before chemotherapy, including alcoholism, vitamin B deficiency, diabetes, HIV, congenital neuropathy, and toxic neuropathy.
* Patients with skin damage, pus or scar at the acupuncture stimulation area.
* Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Significant mental conditions.
* Patients not fulfilling the inclusion criteria.
* Patients receiving other acupuncture treatments during the trial.

Where it's running

• Zhongnan hospital of Wuhan University
  Wuhan, Hubei, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Haijun Yu
• Email: haijunyu@whu.edu.cn
• Phone: +86 67811727

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Cryotherapy during weekly paclitaxel to reduce chemotherapy-induced numbness and tingling

  This study tests whether applying cryotherapy to hands and feet during weekly paclitaxel helps prevent CIPN in women with breast cancer.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige · Bolzano, Bolzano and 3 other locations · NCT07780955

• Electroacupuncture and Exercise for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

  This study tests whether adding a structured exercise program to electroacupuncture helps cancer survivors with CIPN more than electroacupuncture alone.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Show Chwan Memorial Hospital · Changhua, Changhua and 1 other locations · NCT07700901

• Virtual exercise program to help with chemotherapy-induced nerve symptoms

  This trial tests whether a remote, personalized exercise program (EX-CIPN) can reduce CIPN symptoms and related disability in cancer survivors who have persistent neuropathy after chemotherapy, compared with usual care.

  Recruiting Phase 3 University Health Network, Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07481149

• Acupuncture and compression to prevent chemotherapy-induced nerve damage in breast cancer

  This trial will test whether wearing compression garments and/or receiving acupuncture during taxane chemotherapy can prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults with early-stage breast cancer.

  Recruiting Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · Guangzhou, Guangdong · NCT07377279

• PEA and Scutellaria combined with exercise for chemotherapy-related nerve pain

  This trial will see if taking PEA and Scutellaria together with therapeutic exercise helps adults who have nerve pain after chemotherapy.

  Recruiting University of Palermo · Palermo, Italia · NCT07352514

• Assessing Functional Impairments in CIPN Patients

  This study tests how CIPN affects daily function by using functional tests alongside patient self-reports to see how well the tests reflect everyday difficulties.

  Recruiting Paracelsus Medical University · Salzburg · NCT07315334

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.