The Use of Acupuncture to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Gynaecological Cancer Patients

Launched by KAREN KAR LOEN CHAN · Jan 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether acupuncture can help reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in women with certain types of gynaecological cancers, like ovarian or cervical cancer. The study will involve women who have completed chemotherapy and are experiencing symptoms known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Participants will be randomly placed into three groups: one group will receive actual acupuncture, another will get a fake version of acupuncture (called sham acupuncture), and the last group will not receive any treatment at all but will continue with their usual care. The goal is to see if acupuncture can improve their symptoms and overall quality of life without causing any side effects.

To be eligible for this study, women must be at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of specific gynaecological cancers, and have completed at least 6 cycles of chemotherapy. They should also be able to read and understand the questionnaires used in the study. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to attend acupuncture sessions for six weeks and complete questionnaires to track their symptoms and quality of life at different points after the treatment. The results of this trial may help determine if a larger study is warranted in the future.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 or above
• • Diagnosis of uterine (endometrial) cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer
• • ECOG=0-2
• • Life expectancy of \> 6 months
• • Completed at least 6 cycles of carboplatin or cisplatin chemotherapy together with paclitaxel at least 3 months before joining the study
• • Able to read and understand the questionnaires
• • PNQ score of C or above
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Bleeding tendency
• • Abnormal clotting profile
• • Platelet lower than 50
• • Received acupuncture in the past
• • Currently receiving chemotherapy treatment
• • Known neurological disorders or pre-existing neuropathy unrelated to chemotherapy
• • Routinely take aspirin or any anticoagulant drugs
• • Having active skin infection
• • With pacemaker