Evaluation of Foot Reflexology and Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Reduce Symptoms in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy

What this Trial Is About

Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy CCRT often experience symptoms such as pain, dry mouth xerostomia, fatigue, sleep problems, and other side effects that affect their quality of life and ability to continue treatment. This trial evaluates whether foot reflexology, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation ta-VNS, and auricular acupressure can reduce these symptoms compared to usual care. It is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled study conducted in outpatient and inpatient otolaryngology settings. Participants are assigned to one of three groups foot reflexology with true or sham treatment, ta-VNS with true or sham stimulation combined with auricular acupressure or sham acupressure, or usual care without additional interventions. Foot reflexology is given twice weekly for 20 minutes over two weeks, including phases targeting relaxation, head-neck and gastrointestinal regulation, and circulation. The ta-VNS device stimulates specific ear regions for 20 minutes twice weekly over two weeks, while auricular acupressure with magnetic beads is self-administered three times daily. Assessments occur at baseline, week 1, week 2, and week 4. Participants are monitored through symptom ratings using the Numeric Rating Scale for pain and other measures at four time points. Data are analyzed to assess changes in pain and related symptoms. The study includes symptom monitoring and standard nursing care for all participants. The total study period includes baseline and follow-up visits up to four weeks from the start of interventions to evaluate symptom changes and treatment-related effects.

Foot Reflexology and Ta-VNS for Symptom Management in Head and Neck Cancer During CCRT