Acupressure for the Reduction of Anxiety in Patients Receiving Cancer-Directed Therapy (NCT06723041) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Acupressure for the Reduction of Anxiety in Patients Receiving Cancer-Directed Therapy
United States78 participantsStarted 2024-12-11
Plain-language summary
This clinicaI trial is being done to determine if acupressure is helpful to reduce anxiety related to chemotherapy, compared with "sham" (or placebo) acupressure in patients with cancer. Anxiety, experienced by many patients with cancer, can be related to chemotherapy and may contribute to other symptoms, such as nausea and poor quality of life. Some patients diagnosed with cancer express interest in non-medicine ways to manage symptoms. Acupressure is the application of non-invasive finger pressure along energy points throughout the body in order to relieve pain and induce a feeling of well-being. Previous research has shown that acupressure can help both adults and children with their anxiety in certain situations, such as after surgery. Patients can be taught how to do the acupressure on themselves, making this an intervention that can be done anywhere. Acupressure is well tolerated with minimal reports of adverse reactions. Undergoing acupressure may be effective in reducing anxiety in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Age \>= 18 years and be diagnosed with cancer
* NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Undergoing systemic, antineoplastic therapy
* NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Ability to provide oral consent
* NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Willingness to undergo a nurse-led acupressure intervention
* NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Willingness and ability to complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires in English
* NURSE-LED INTERVENTION: Report acute anxiety as a 5 or higher on a scale for 0 (no anxiety) to 10 (severe anxiety)
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Age \>= 18 years and be diagnosed with cancer
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Undergoing systemic, antineoplastic therapy
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Ability to provide oral consent
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Willingness to undergo a nurse-led acupressure intervention
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Willingness and ability to complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires in English
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Report acute anxiety as a 5 or higher on a scale for 0 (no anxiety) to 10 (severe anxiety)
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Reports 2+/day anxiety episodes at home
* SELF-ADMINISTRATION INTERVENTION: Interested in learning self-administered acupressure
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prior experiences with acupressure, or training in acupressure points
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.