Auricular Acupressure for Sleep Disorder Prevention in Breast Cancer
Launched by CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL · May 7, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of July 27, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying whether auricular acupressure (AA) can help prevent sleep problems in women with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. Sleep issues are common for these patients and can make it harder for them to cope with treatment. The trial will include 128 participants who are female, 18 years or older, and have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. They must be scheduled for at least four cycles of chemotherapy or receiving hormone therapy. Participants should not have any major sleep disorders before joining the study.
In the trial, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real auricular acupressure, which involves placing small seeds on specific points in the ear, or a sham treatment that uses identical patches without the seeds. Both groups will receive standard care and will be followed for 12 weeks. The researchers will measure the quality of sleep and other related symptoms at various points during the study. This research aims to provide valuable information about how effective and safe auricular acupressure can be as a complementary treatment for sleep disturbances in breast cancer patients.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Female, aged 18 years or older
- • Histologically confirmed stage I-III breast cancer
- • Scheduled to undergo at least four cycles of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy or currently receiving hormone therapy
- • Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score \< 5 at baseline (indicating no pre-existing sleep disorder)
- • Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Pregnant or breastfeeding
- • Diagnosed with stage IIIB, inflammatory, or metastatic breast cancer
- • Pre-existing anemia or hematologic disorders
- • History of alcohol or substance abuse
- • Diagnosed endocrine disorders or other medical conditions affecting sleep
- • Active psychiatric disorders interfering with participation
- • Skin lesions, infections, or allergy to adhesive patches on both ears
- • Currently undergoing other complementary sleep-related therapies (e.g., aromatherapy, massage, herbal medicine, health supplements)
About Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, one of the largest healthcare organizations in Taiwan, is renowned for its commitment to advancing medical research and improving patient care. As a clinical trial sponsor, the hospital leverages its extensive clinical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct innovative research across various medical disciplines. With a focus on collaboration and ethical practices, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital aims to contribute to the global body of medical knowledge through rigorous clinical trials that enhance treatment options and improve health outcomes for patients.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Kaohsiung, , Taiwan
Patients applied
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported