Tests acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nerve damage in gynaecological cancer patients
Tests acupuncture for nerve damage caused by chemotherapy in women with gynaecological cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: The Use of Acupuncture to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Gynaecological Cancer Patients
Key facts
- Where
- Hong Kong, Hong KongSee the site
Where in Hong Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyHong Kong, Hong KongTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Karen Kar Loen CHAN
- Trial code
- NCT06769061
- Record updated
- 25 February 2026
- Original description
Objectives:Read full original descriptionShow less
The Use of Acupuncture to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Gynaecological Cancer Patients - A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Objectives:
To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture on reducing Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in gynaecological cancer patients who have received carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy combination. Results of this pilot trial will provide preliminary information for a potential a larger scale multicentre study.
Hypothesis:
Acupuncture can significantly reduce CIPN in gynaecological cancer patients treated with chemotherapy
Design and subjects:
This is a pilot, prospective randomised controlled trial. This is an exploratory trial to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing CIPN in gynaecological cancer patients. Eligible patients will be 1:1:1 randomised to three groups: electroacupuncture group, sham acupuncture group and waiting-list (usual care) control group. For electroacupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, the assessors and the patients will be blinded to the treatment given.
1. Electroacupuncture group - patients will receive 6 weeks of electroacupuncture, 2 sessions per week, by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner from the School of Chinese Medicine. 2. Sham acupuncture group - patients will receive 6 weeks of sham acupuncture similar to the above. 3. Waiting-list (usual care) control group - patients will not receive any treatment.
Main outcomes:
Acupuncture effects will be assessed at baseline and 3, 6,12 weeks post intervention by:
1. Patient reported outcome measures: FACT/GOG-Ntx questionnaire for assessing CIPN symptoms and EORTC-QLQ-C30 and CIPN20 questionnaires for assessing quality of life symptom 2. Clinician reported outcome measures: NCI-CTCAE grading for CIPN by clinicians and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test as an objective measurement of CIPN.
Data analysis:
Intention to treat analysis will be carried out. Baseline demographics will be compared between the 3 groups. Change from baseline total score will be calculated and analysed using 2-sample t-test. 95% CI will be reported for treatment differences. Score for different subcategories will be analysed in a similar manner. Data collected at week 6 will be used for outcome analysis. P<0.05 will be considered as statistically significant. Acupuncture efficacy, effectiveness and placebo effect will be indicated by comparison of acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture, acupuncture vs. waiting-list, and sham acupuncture vs. waiting-list, respectively.
Expected results: Patients in the acupuncture arm will have reduced numbness and peripheral neuropathy and improved quality of life without any adverse event.
Inclusion: 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: Received acupuncture in the past; Currently receiving chemotherapy treatment; Routinely take aspirin or any anticoagulant drugs; Bleeding tendency; Known neurological disorders or pre-existing neuropathy unrelated to chemotherapy; Having active skin infection; Platelet lower than 50; Abnormal clotting profile; With pacemaker.