Effect of Adding Electroacupuncture to Anti-cancer Therapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Launched by ZHONGNAN HOSPITAL · Feb 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a treatment called electroacupuncture on people who are experiencing nerve pain and unusual sensations caused by chemotherapy, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The aim is to see if adding electroacupuncture to their cancer treatment can help reduce these uncomfortable symptoms. The study is currently looking for participants aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer and are dealing with moderate nerve symptoms (rated between 2 and 3 on a specific scale).

To be eligible for this study, participants must have a life expectancy of at least three months and must be able to attend treatment sessions and complete some questionnaires. However, people with a history of nerve damage before chemotherapy, certain skin conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot participate. If someone joins the study, they can expect to receive electroacupuncture sessions and will be monitored for any changes in their symptoms throughout the trial. This research could be important for improving the quality of life for cancer patients experiencing nerve pain after chemotherapy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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.