Holistic Acupuncture for Patients With Chemotherapy Induced Nausea

Conditions studied

Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Gynaecologic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer Metastatic

About this study

The study explores whether acupuncture as a supplement to conventional antiemetic medicine is superior in reducing the level of chemotherapy induced nausea compared to conventional anitemetic medicine alone. A total of 90 patients experiencing chemotherapy induced nausea will be allocated 1:1 to either acupuncture and antiemetic medicine or antiemetic medicine alone. The level of nausea and other cancer related symptoms will be assessed at baseline and 8 and 22 days after enrollment

Interventions

• Other: Holistic acupuncture and acupressure — The intervention consists of one holistic and individualized consultation with an oncologist trained in acupuncture, in connection with outpatient chemotherapy. The consultation follows the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The theoretical framework applied is Zang-Fu, which describes organ imbalances and aligns closely with Western medical understanding. Based on individual assessment and anamnesis, the patient receives acupuncture combined with acupressure. A maximum of 10 needles will be used, regardless of whether a deficiency or excess condition is identified. The acupuncture needles used are CAIR Super Silicon CSC-1, size 0.20 × 25 mm. The needles are inserted perpendicularly, except for Yin Tang, which is inserted transversely. The needles will remain in place for 25 minutes.
• Other: Standard medical treatment — Standard treatment and care includes chemotherapy, supportive antiemetic medication, close monitoring, and management of the patient's symptoms, side effects, and overall health.

Primary outcomes

• Patient reported nausea assessed on the EORTC-15-PAL Scale (8 days after enrollment)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, 7100 Denmark