Study of Electroacupuncture and Self-administered Acupressure to Prevent Hand-Foot Syndrome in Adults Taking Capecitabine for Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether combining electroacupuncture with self-administered acupressure and doctor-prescribed treatments can help prevent Hand-Foot Syndrome HFS in patients with malignant tumors undergoing oral capecitabine therapy. The study is a randomized, triple-blinded controlled trial designed to explore the preventive effects of this combined approach on HFS and to improve quality of life during cancer treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either true electroacupuncture plus true self-administered acupressure along with doctor-prescribed medications, or sham electroacupuncture plus sham self-administered acupressure with the same medications. True electroacupuncture involves two treatments in the first week of each cycle with electrical stimulation, followed by self-administered acupressure in weeks 2 and 3. The doctor-prescribed treatment includes oral celecoxib, topical diclofenac, and skin protectants. The sham group receives minimally invasive needle insertion without electrical stimulation and non-acupressure point massage without pressure causing the deqi sensation, but with the same medication regimen. During the study, participants are monitored for HFS incidence, severity, onset, duration, and pain or sensory changes from the start of capecitabine treatment until 12 weeks after treatment ends. The HFS-14 questionnaire is used regularly to assess patient-reported symptoms and adverse events. Researchers track capecitabine dosage, HFS grades, and quality of life to understand treatment impact. The study duration and follow-up allow thorough evaluation of the combined preventive approach.

Electroacupuncture Combined With Self-administered Acupressure for the Prevention of Capecitabine-Associated Hand-Foot Syndrome