TerminatedNot Applicable

Feasibility of Auricular Acupressure for Appetite and Weight in Patients With Stage II-IV Gastric, Esophageal, and Pancreatic Cancer

Stopped: Study closed per SRC Low Accrual Policy.

United States3 participantsStarted 2024-07-22

Plain-language summary

This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of acupressure to the ear (auricular) to address appetite and weight in patients with stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer. Cancer anorexia, the abnormal loss of appetite, directly leads to cancer-associated weight loss (cachexia) through malnourishment, reduced caloric intake, treatment side-effects, and other modifiable risk factors. Cachexia prolongs length of hospital stay for patients, negatively impacts treatment tolerance and adherence, and reduces overall patient quality of life. Auricular acupressure is a form of micro-acupuncture that exerts its effect by stimulating the central nervous system using adhesive taped pellets applied to specific locations on the external ear. The use of these pellets to deliver auricular acupressure has been shown to improve pain, fatigue, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, depression, and quality of life in both cancer and non-cancer settings. Auricular acupressure is a safe, inexpensive, and non-invasive approach to addressing cancer-related symptoms and treatment side-effects and may be effective at improving appetite and weight loss in stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

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

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years of age * Stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer * Appetite score on visual analog scale ≤ 70/100 * At least 60 days of planned systemic treatment, whether already initiated or scheduled to be initiated * Access to phone and electronic device for study contacts and questionnaires * Willing and able to attend 4 in-person auricular acupressure treatments at the Fred Hutch South Lake Union Clinic * Willing and able to perform 4 at-home self-applied treatments of auricular acupressure * Participants must not have received acupressure or acupuncture for low appetite within last 30 days * Participants must not be actively using corticosteroids, mirtazapine (Remeron), olanzapine (Zyprexa), or Marinol for appetite stimulation at baseline * Participants must be able to intake food orally and not require sole or supplemental intravenous nutrition at baseline * Participants must not have a history of physiological eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa) in the last 3 years * Participants must not have a current known or diagnosed immunodeficiency * Participants must have an intact auricular pinna * Able to understand and willing to sign written informed consent in English

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

Accrual (feasibility)

Timeframe: Up to 15 months

Retention (feasibility)

Timeframe: Up to 8 weeks

Intervention adherence (feasibility)

Timeframe: Up to 8 weeks

Intervention fidelity (feasibility)

Timeframe: Up to 8 weeks

Acceptability (feasibility)

Timeframe: Up to 16 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05911243

SponsorUniversity of Washington

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-07-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Clinical Stage II Esophageal Adenocarcinoma AJCC v8 trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

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