~10 spots leftby Dec 2025

Acupuncture for Postoperative Pain in Cancer Surgery

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Lorenzo G Cohen | MD Anderson Cancer Center
Overseen byWenli Liu
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial investigates how well acupuncture works for the management of pain after surgery in patients having open colorectal or pancreatic surgery. Acupuncture may help to reduce postoperative symptoms including pain. This study may help researchers learn if acupuncture reduces after-surgery side effects and improves recovery.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer who are undergoing open surgery. They must be able to consent and follow the study's rules. People using high doses of opioids, those with bowel obstruction, recent major surgery, seizures, cognitive issues, or conditions preventing acupuncture can't join.

Inclusion Criteria

I am having surgery for pancreatic or colorectal cancer.
Able to consent to treatment
Sign a written informed consent and willing to follow protocol requirements
+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have a blockage in my intestines.
I have no infections or issues that prevent acupuncture.
I will not be admitted to the ICU immediately after my surgery.
+4 more

Participant Groups

The study is testing if acupuncture can manage pain after pancreatic or colorectal surgery better than usual care practices. Patients will receive acupuncture therapy alongside standard postoperative procedures and their pain levels will be monitored through questionnaires.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Arm I (acupuncture, usual care)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Beginning the day after surgery, patients undergo acupuncture sessions over 25 minutes QD for up to 7 days. Patients also undergo usual care including preoperative visits to the primary surgical team, anesthesia preoperative evaluation, referrals to other specialties for perioperative evaluation and optimization of comorbid conditions if necessary, surgical operations, postoperative hospitalization, and post-discharge clinic visits.
Group II: Arm II (usual care)Active Control2 Interventions
Patients undergo usual care including preoperative visits to the primary surgical team, anesthesia preoperative evaluation, referrals to other specialties for perioperative evaluation and optimization of comorbid conditions if necessary, surgical operations, postoperative hospitalization, and post-discharge clinic visits.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
M D Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer CenterLead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)Collaborator

References