Electroacupuncture for Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptom Clusters in Patients With Breast Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how electroacupuncture may help manage gastrointestinal symptoms caused by chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. This study combines clinical treatment evaluation with advanced multi-omics and genomic analyses to understand how electroacupuncture affects symptoms like nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and dry mouth. The goal is to provide strong medical evidence and insights to improve electroacupuncture treatment strategies for these chemotherapy-related symptoms. Participants will receive either real electroacupuncture combined with a standard quadruple antiemetic therapy or sham electroacupuncture with the same antiemetic drugs. The antiemetic regimen includes olanzapine, dexamethasone, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, and NK-1 receptor antagonists. Electroacupuncture involves stimulation at four specific points for 30 minutes per session, starting 1-2 hours before chemotherapy on day 1 and continuing daily for the next three days. The control group receives superficial needle insertion and inactive electrical stimulation on the same schedule. During the first five days after chemotherapy, researchers will monitor symptoms, collect weight and quality of life questionnaires, record medication use and adverse events, and perform laboratory tests. Blood samples will be stored every two chemotherapy cycles. The main outcome measured is the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms within 120 hours post-chemotherapy. Additional assessments include symptom improvement, nausea and vomiting rates, complete response and protection rates, and quality of life scores. Safety and side effects will also be carefully tracked throughout the study.

Electroacupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced GI Symptom Clusters in Breast Cancer