CompletedNot Applicable

Neurological Effects of Acupuncture to Prevent Radiation-induced Xerostomia

United States, China30 participantsStarted 2014-11-10

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn which areas of the brain respond to acupuncture that is designed to prevent xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients with head and neck cancer. Researchers also want to learn if acupuncture can help prevent dry mouth and improve patient quality of life.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. 18 years of age and be able to give informed consent.
. Diagnosed with head and neck cancer, which will be primarily nasopharyngeal, and scheduled to undergo IMRT or proton with or without concurrent chemotherapy at MD Anderson or Fudan University.
. Treatment plan that includes external beam radiation at a mean dose of at least 24 Gy or more to one of the parotid glands (the other gland can receive less than 24 Gy).
. Anatomically intact parotid and submandibular glands.
. Karnofsky performance status \> 60.
. Must be right-handed.

Exclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Relative Changes of EEG Scores Between Pre- and Post-Acupuncture

Timeframe: 1 week

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02292368

SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-08-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head and Neck Cancer trials