Acupuncture for Pain Control in Patients With Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer (NCT02333409) | Clinical Trial Compass
TerminatedNot Applicable
Acupuncture for Pain Control in Patients With Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer
Stopped: Expertise resigned
Hong Kong1 participantsStarted 2015-03
Plain-language summary
Pancreatic cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong. Patients suffering from pancreatic cancer are associated with a poor prognosis and survival of less than one year is expected in inoperable tumours (1). Management of these patients would be towards palliation of symptoms. Severe pain occurs in 50 to 70% of the patients and this "intractable" pain is often difficult to treat (2). Pain management is a major part of the comprehensive therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer, and it also affects their quality of life. Electroacupuncture seems to be a promising way to control the cancer pain and reduce the dose and side effects of pain killers including opioid. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture in reducing pancreatic cancer pain in patients suffering from inoperable pancreatic cancer.
Who can participate
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
. All patients ≥ 18 years old with cytology or histology confirmed pancreatic cancer
. Abdominal pain typical for pancreatic cancer
. Inoperability of pancreatic cancer as demonstrated by computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) scan or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).
. Informed consent available
Exclusion criteria
. Patients who are allergic to the acupuncture needles
. Coagulopathy (prolongation of prothrombin time \> 18 sec, thrombocytopenia \<80,000 platelets/ml)
. Another cause for abdominal pain such as pseudocyst, ulcer or other intra-abdominal disorder
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.