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Acupressure for Gastrointestinal Cancers

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Blake Langley
Research Sponsored by University of Washington
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Diagnosed with stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer
At least 60 days of planned systemic treatment, whether already initiated or scheduled to be initiated
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up up to 15 months
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial looks at using acupressure to the ear to help cancer patients with appetite and weight loss. It may help improve quality of life and reduce side effects of treatments.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer who have appetite issues. Participants need access to a phone and electronic device, must not be on certain medications for appetite stimulation, and should not have had acupressure or acupuncture in the last month. They must be able to eat orally and commit to attending treatments at a specific clinic as well as performing self-applied treatments.
What is being tested?
The study tests auricular acupressure's ability to improve appetite and weight in patients with advanced digestive cancers. It involves sticking small pellets onto the ear that are believed to stimulate the nervous system. Patients will receive this non-invasive treatment both at a clinic and by themselves at home.
What are the potential side effects?
Auricular acupressure is generally safe with minimal risk of side effects since it's non-invasive. However, some may experience minor discomfort or skin irritation where the pellets are applied.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been diagnosed with stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer.
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I am on or will start a treatment plan that lasts at least 60 days.
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My outer ear is normal and undamaged.
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I am between 18 and 65 years old.
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I do not have any known immune system disorders.
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I am not using steroids or immune system drugs to increase my appetite.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~up to 15 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 15 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Acceptability (feasibility)
Accrual (feasibility)
Intervention adherence (feasibility)
+2 more
Secondary study objectives
Change in appetite
Change in body weight (kg)

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Arm I (acupressure therapy)Experimental Treatment4 Interventions
Patients undergo auricular acupressure in addition to their usual care on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.
Group II: Arm II (usual care)Active Control3 Interventions
Patients receive usual care on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Acupressure Therapy
2021
Completed Phase 2
~80
Biospecimen Collection
2004
Completed Phase 3
~2020

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)NIH
362 Previous Clinical Trials
412,418 Total Patients Enrolled
University of WashingtonLead Sponsor
1,814 Previous Clinical Trials
1,912,967 Total Patients Enrolled
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)NIH
854 Previous Clinical Trials
671,694 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Auricular Acupressure Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05911243 — N/A
~44 spots leftby Nov 2025
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