Electroacupuncture vs. Auricular Acupressure vs. Waitlist Control for Breast Cancer Endocrine The… (NCT07490938) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Electroacupuncture vs. Auricular Acupressure vs. Waitlist Control for Breast Cancer Endocrine Therapy-Related Joint Pain
China200 participantsStarted 2026-04
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this pragmatic, multicenter, randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture and auricular acupressure for improving joint pain related to endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients. A total of 200 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Electroacupuncture Group (n=80), the Auricular Acupressure Group (n=80), or the Waitlist Control Group (n=40), using a central stratified block randomization method.
The primary objective is to compare changes in Worst Pain Item score among the three groups from baseline to the end of the treatment period, as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF). Secondary objectives include assessing pain interference, overall health status through the PROMIS scale, and quality of life specifically related to endocrine therapy using the FACT-ES. Additionally, the study will evaluate analgesic medication use (QAQ), patient expectations (Acupuncture Expectancy Scale), treatment adherence, and the occurrence of adverse events. By comparing these interventions, this study aims to generate high-quality evidence for the management of treatment-related arthralgia in breast cancer survivors.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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:
* Histologically or cytologically confirmed breast cancer, stage I-IV, according to the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual (8th edition);
* Aged 18-75 years;
* Experiencing joint pain attributed to endocrine therapy, including localized or generalized joint pain, with symptoms persisting for at least 1 week;
* Completion of all planned surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, with a scheduled continuation of endocrine therapy for at least 1 additional year;
* Self-reported worst joint pain score of ≥3 on a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during the past week;
* Life expectancy ≥1 year;
* Voluntarily sign the informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Bone metastases involving the same site as the affected joint attributed to endocrine therapy;
* History of fracture or surgery involving the affected joints within the past 6 months;
* Implanted electronic medical devices;
* Not suitable for acupuncture, including but not limited to bleeding tendencies (e.g. coagulation disorders or purpura) or local skin lesions at the intended acupoint sites.
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 Worst Pain score of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form