Using electroacupuncture to manage symptoms in cancer patients and survivors
Official title: Electroacupuncture for the Management of Symptom Clusters in Cancer Patients and Survivors (EAST): A Feasibility Study
Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT05283577 · 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 whether electroacupuncture can help cancer patients and survivors feel better by reducing symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, and mental distress.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Irvine, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05283577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include cancer patients aged 16 and older who have completed anti-cancer treatment and experience symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, or cognitive impairment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric disorders, metastasis, or those currently receiving acupuncture therapy 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 pilot trial evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) as an intervention for symptom clusters in cancer patients and survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EA or sham-EA over a 10-week treatment period, with weekly visits to assess changes in symptoms such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, psychological distress, and insomnia. The study also aims to analyze the impact of EA on specific biomarkers associated with these symptoms. The research will help determine the safety and effectiveness of EA in improving quality of life for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors by alleviating debilitating symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of electroacupuncture in cancer symptom management is emerging, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with cancer that have received anti-cancer treatment * 16 years of age or older * Life expectancy ≥ 6 months * Complaints of one or more of the following symptoms: memory impairment/attention deficit, fatigue, insomnia, depression, or anxiety over the past 7 days Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of metastasis * Severe needle phobia * Severe psychiatric or medical disorders which would affect cognitive assessments * Known bleeding disorder (e.g. hemophilia, Von Willebrand's disease, thrombocytopenia) * Has pacemaker or other electronic metal implants * Epilepsy * Already receiving acupuncture therapy or received acupuncture treatment in the past 3 months. * Breastfeeding, pregnant or are planning get pregnant during the study period Additional exclusion criteria for optional neuroimaging procedure: - Has any contraindications to fMRI including metal fragments/implants in the body, sever claustrophobia, and non-removable metal orthodontic braces, metallic retainers and oral wires.
Where it's running
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UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute
Irvine, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandre Chan, PharmD — UCI
- Study coordinator: Alexandre Chan, PharmD
- Email: a.chan@uci.edu
- Phone: 1-949-824-8896
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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.