Electroacupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced GI Symptom Clusters in Breast Cancer

Launched by JIUDA ZHAO · Apr 23, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of electroacupuncture, a technique that involves using small electrical currents on acupuncture points, to help manage gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms caused by chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. The aim is to see if this treatment can relieve issues like nausea and vomiting that often accompany chemotherapy. Researchers will also look into the biological mechanisms behind how electroacupuncture works and identify specific targets that could improve treatment strategies for patients experiencing these symptoms.

To participate in this study, women aged 18 to 75 who have been diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer and are scheduled to receive certain types of chemotherapy may be eligible. Participants should be in good overall health and not have had prior acupuncture treatment in the month before joining the trial. If you decide to take part, you can expect to receive either electroacupuncture or standard care to see how it affects your symptoms. It’s important to note that some people may not qualify for the study, including those with advanced cancer or certain health conditions. This research aims to provide better support and treatment options for women experiencing difficulties related to chemotherapy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Pathologically confirmed stage I-III breast cancer;
• • 2. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) score of 0-1;
• • 3. Age between 18 and 75 years;
• • 4. Scheduled to receive highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, such as EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide) or platinum-based regimens, during the first cycle of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy;
• • 5. No prior acupuncture treatment within one month before enrollment;
• • 6. Voluntary participation in the study with written informed consent obtained; (7) An expected survival of at least 3 months;
• • (8) Premenopausal women must agree to use contraception during the study period; (9) Adequate bone marrow, liver, and kidney function as defined by standard laboratory criteria.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with advanced-stage cancer;
• • 2. Those undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy;
• • 3. Individuals with severe impairment of vital organ function who cannot tolerate standard-dose chemotherapy;
• • 4. Patients with contraindications to acupuncture, such as active skin infections;
• • 5. Those with digestive system diseases accompanied by nausea and vomiting symptoms that may interfere with accurate assessment;
• • 6. Patients with a history of xerostomia;
• • 7. Individuals with known allergies to the study drugs;
• • 8. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients;
• • 9. Individuals currently using medications with antiemetic activity, such as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids (except at physiological doses), dopamine receptor antagonists, minor tranquilizers, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines (except for nighttime sedation);
• • 10. Patients with seizure disorders requiring anticonvulsant therapy;
• • 11. Those receiving thiazides as chronic antipsychotic medications;
• • 12. Those with known arrhythmias, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, or acute myocardial infarction.