Effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Quality of Life in… (NCT07308951) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Quality of Life in Chronic Cancer Pain
China290 participantsStarted 2025-09-10
Plain-language summary
This study aims to objectively evaluate the effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (PC-TEAS) on improving the quality of life in patients with chronic cancer pain, thereby providing evidence-based medical support for its efficacy and offering practical basis for patients to achieve home-based auxiliary treatment based on their own needs. Furthermore, by observing and comparing changes in indicators such as pain-related scores, analgesic consumption, emotional scores, spontaneous bowel movements, and adverse events, this research will comprehensively assess the advantages of PC-TEAS in the management of chronic cancer pain and explore other potential benefits of this intervention for patients.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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:
* Age between 18 and 80 years, regardless of gender;
* Diagnosis of primary or metastatic malignant tumor confirmed by histopathology and/or cytology, consistent with the American Cancer Society criteria for malignancy;
* Presence of cancer-related pain, defined as an average Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 2 over the preceding week or current regular use of opioid analgesics;
* Life expectancy ≥ 3 months;
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) score ≤ 2, stable vital signs, clear consciousness, intact pain perception, unimpaired communication, ability to cooperate with study procedures and complete assessments;
* Provision of signed informed consent by the patient or their legal guardian after comprehensive explanation of the study;
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pain not attributable to cancer;
* Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction or respiratory depression;
* Implantation of cardiac pacemaker or metallic implants at stimulation sites;
* Local skin lesions or conditions unsuitable for TEAS at the acupoint sites;
* Severe psychiatric disorders or significant cognitive impairment;
* Concurrent participation in other clinical trials that may interfere with the outcome evaluation of this study;
* Previous history of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS);
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
1
The area under the curve (AUC) of the FACT-G (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General) total score for assessing quality of life in patients with chronic cancer pain after 4 weeks of treatment.