Using electroacupuncture to help with chemotherapy-induced nerve pain
Effect of Adding Electroacupuncture Combined With Standard Anti Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Drugs to Anti-cancer Therapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: a Randomized Multicentered Clinical Trial.
This study is testing if electroacupuncture can help reduce nerve pain from chemotherapy in patients who are struggling with symptoms like numbness and tingling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zhongnan Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Wuhan, Hubei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06858709 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor and are experiencing moderate to severe CIPN symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy or other conditions that could confound the results may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate nerve pain and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from CIPN.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on electroacupuncture for various conditions have shown mixed results, this specific application for CIPN is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Wuhan, Hubei
- Zhongnan hospital of Wuhan University — Wuhan, Hubei, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Haijun Yu
- Email: haijunyu@whu.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 67811727
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.