The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Nerve Pain Caused by Chemotherapy (Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy)

Launched by DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE · Jun 2, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the effects of electroacupuncture, a treatment that involves gently stimulating specific points on the body with electrical currents, to help relieve nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, a condition known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The study will compare the actual electroacupuncture treatment to a sham (or fake) acupuncture treatment to see which one is more effective in reducing pain for cancer survivors who have completed certain types of chemotherapy.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, able to speak English, and have experienced moderate to severe nerve pain after completing neurotoxic chemotherapy at least three months prior. Participants should not have any ongoing cancer and must be stable on their current pain medications. Those who have used acupuncture in the past year, or have certain medical devices like pacemakers, will not be eligible. If you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the real electroacupuncture or the sham treatment and will be asked to follow specific guidelines regarding pain medications during the first 12 weeks. This trial aims to provide valuable insights into how well electroacupuncture can help manage nerve pain in cancer survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English-proficient men and women aged ≥18 years
• • Free of oncologic disease by clinical examination and history
• • Completed neurotoxic chemotherapy such as platinum agents, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and bortezomib at least three months prior to enrollment
• • Diagnosis of CIPN based on symptom history, loss of deep tendon reflexes, or the presence of symmetrical stocking-glove pain, numbness, or paresthesia73
• • Grade ≥1 sensory pain based on the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0
• • Self-reported moderate to severe CIPN pain, as defined by a score of 4 or greater on the BPI-SF average pain item over the past week
• • On a stable regimen (no change in the past three months) if taking anti-neuropathy or other pain medications
• • Willing to adhere to requirement that no new pain medication be taken throughout the first 12 weeks of the study period
• • Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one of the two possible acupuncture treatments
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a pacemaker or other electronically charged medical device
• • Use of acupuncture for symptom management within the past 12 months