Acupressure for Peripheral Neuropathy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the effectiveness of auricular point acupressure, a technique applying pressure on ear points, for relieving chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, which causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet. The trial compares regular in-person treatments and virtual self-guided treatments using videos against usual care. It is open to cancer patients experiencing worsening peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) after chemotherapy, with significant pain or numbness. Participants will determine whether this non-invasive treatment can improve their symptoms. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the chance to explore innovative, non-invasive treatment options that could enhance their quality of life.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you are using an investigational agent for pain control or have an implantable drug delivery system.
What prior data suggests that auricular point acupressure is safe for treating chemotherapy-induced neuropathy?
Research has shown that auricular point acupressure (APA), which involves applying pressure to specific points on the ear, is safe for managing symptoms such as diabetic and chemotherapy-induced nerve pain. In these studies, participants generally tolerated APA well. For instance, one study examined APA's effects on chemotherapy-induced nerve pain and found it safe, with no major side effects. Another study focused on diabetic nerve pain and suggested that APA did not cause harmful side effects while improving patient outcomes.
While these findings are encouraging, individual experiences may vary. Participants reported minimal discomfort, mainly related to the placement of seeds on the ear, which was usually mild and temporary. Overall, APA appears to be a safe option for managing nerve pain symptoms, with few reported side effects in previous research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) for peripheral neuropathy because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing symptoms, unlike traditional options like medications or nerve blocks. This treatment involves applying pressure to specific points on the ear, which is believed to stimulate nerve pathways and alleviate discomfort. The virtual version, vAPA, further sets itself apart by allowing patients to self-administer treatments using a smartphone app, making it highly accessible and convenient. Both versions of APA provide a unique, holistic alternative that could enhance patient quality of life without the side effects often associated with standard care.
What evidence suggests that auricular point acupressure is effective for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy?
Research has shown that auricular point acupressure (APA) may help manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN). Studies have found that APA can improve brain connections, potentially reducing neuropathy symptoms. Participants who received APA reported feeling better, and tests showed improved touch sensitivity and grip strength. In this trial, some participants will receive APA through in-person weekly treatments, while others will use Virtual APA (vAPA), self-administering APA with a smartphone app. Virtual APA has also demonstrated potential benefits, including changes in brain function linked to symptom relief. These findings suggest that both APA and vAPA could be helpful for people dealing with CIN.12467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jennifer Kawi, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAAN
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Nada Lukkahatai, PHD, MSN, RN
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for cancer patients over 18 who've finished chemotherapy with specific drugs at least three months ago and are experiencing moderate to severe neuropathy pain or numbness. It's not for those using investigational pain agents, drug delivery implants, have latex allergies, prior neurolytic treatments, or pre-existing conditions causing similar symptoms.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive auricular point acupressure (APA) or virtual APA (vAPA) for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy management
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain severity, numbness, tingling, and physical function
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Auricular Point Acupressure
Trial Overview
The study tests Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) for managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive APA via a virtual app or in-person training, sham APA as a placebo control, or usual care without APA intervention.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
The vAPA arm will self-administer APA by placing the seeds according to the video instruction found in the self-guided smartphone application for understanding and administering APA. Participant and/or a caregiver will follow the video instruction on seed placement and will receive one zoom session for APA coaching one week after the baseline visit.
The APA arm will receive in-person weekly treatments and a self-guided smartphone application with videos for understanding and administering APA. The APA arm will receive one in-person seed placement and a training for the participant or their caregiver to place the seeds on the ear points, as well as one zoom meeting 1 week after the first visit to coach participant and/or caregiver on seed placement.
Usual Care arm will continue with their usual care.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead Sponsor
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Collaborator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
Johns Hopkins University
Collaborator
University of Texas
Collaborator
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
A randomized controlled study of auricular point acupressure ...
The fMRI data taken after 10 minutes of APA indicated an increased brain functional connectivity between the salience and basal ganglia networks ...
NCT04920097 | Auricular Point Acupressure to Manage ...
The proposed randomized control trial will evaluate auricular point acupressure (APA) on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN), rigorously considering point ...
Preliminary Effectiveness of Auricular Point Acupressure ...
Participants received four weeks of APA to manage their CIN. The laboratory-assessed and objective outcomes included quantitative sensory testing, grip and ...
Efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure for chemotherapy ...
Preliminary effectiveness of auricular point Acupressure on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: Part 1 self-reported outcomes. Pain Manag Nurs 2019;20:614-22 ...
Auricular point acupressure for older adults with chronic low ...
Preliminary effectiveness of auricular point acupressure on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: part 2 laboratory-assessed and objective outcomes.
Effect of auricular acupressure on neuropathy symptoms ...
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, often leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life (QoL).
Dynamic Brain Activity Following Auricular Point Acupressure ...
The objective of this study was to investigate the dynamic brain activity following auricular point acupressure (APA) in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN).
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