Holistic Acupuncture for Patients With Chemotherapy Induced Nausea

Summary

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

• Holistic acupuncture and acupressure · OTHER

  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.

• Standard medical treatment · OTHER

  Standard treatment and care includes chemotherapy, supportive antiemetic medication, close monitoring, and management of the patient's symptoms, side effects, and overall health.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion criteria

* ≥ 18 years of age
* Undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing nausea despite adherence to the prescribed antiemetic regimen
* Understands and speaks Danish
* Written and orally informed consent
* Planned for treatment every 14 days
* At least two chemotherapy cycles planned at the time of inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Brain metastases
* Performance status \>2

Sites (1)

• Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark · RECRUITING