Electroacupuncture on Treating Cancer-related Depression

Launched by SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE · Jun 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective electroacupuncture (a treatment that uses small electrical currents with acupuncture needles) can be in helping people with cancer-related depression (CRD). CRD is a type of depression that many cancer patients experience, which can make it harder for them to cope with their illness and treatment. The trial aims to see if electroacupuncture can improve mood and overall well-being for these patients over both the short and long term.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be between 18 and 75 years old and must have been diagnosed with depression related to their cancer or its treatment. They should also have a specific level of depression severity and be in generally good health. Participants should not be planning to start any other cancer treatments during the study and should not have had acupuncture before. Those who join can expect to receive electroacupuncture treatment and will be monitored throughout the study to assess how they feel. This research is important because it could help develop better treatments for the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Presence of depression attributed to cancer itself or cancer-related treatments, meeting the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder（DSM-V).
• • 2. Age between 18 and 75 years, regardless of sex.
• • 3. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) total score \>17 at baseline.
• • 4. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of ≤2.
• • 5. No previous exposure to acupuncture treatment.
• • 6. Ability to understand the study procedures and willingness to provide written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Planned to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or other active cancer-related treatments during the study period.
• • 2. History of major depressive episodes prior to cancer diagnosis.
• • 3. Pain Rating Index (PRI) score ≥4 due to cancer-related pain.
• • 4. Estimated life expectancy of 12 months or less.
• • 5. Presence of severe ulcers, abscesses, or active skin infections at or near the acupuncture sites.
• • 6. Clinically significant dysfunction of major organs, including severe cardiac, cerebral, hepatic, renal impairment; decompensated pulmonary disease; or other serious systemic illnesses.
• • 7. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• • 8. Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days.