Clinical Research Directory

Electroacupuncture for the Prevention of Recurrent Lower Urinary Tract Infection in Women

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if electroacupuncture works to prevent recurrent lower urinary tract infections in female patients. It will also learn about the safety of electroacupuncture. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does electroacupuncture reduce the attacks of acute recurrent urinary tract infections in women? 2. What medical problems do participants have when taking electroacupuncture? Researchers will compare electroacupuncture to sham electroacupuncture to assess if electroacupuncture works to prevent recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Participants will: 1. Take electroacupuncture or sham electroacupuncture for 30 minutes per session over a 6-month period. During the first month, treatment was administered 3 times weekly (once every other day); the second month, 2 times weekly (once every 2-3 days); and the 3-6 month, once monthly. 2. Visit the hospital at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th months for follow-up evaluations. 3. Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of times they use an antibiotic.

Efficacy Evaluation of Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder that causes stomach discomfort, such as fullness or pain after eating, without any visible structural disease. Acupuncture is often used to manage these symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of electroacupuncture-a form of acupuncture that uses gentle electrical stimulation-for treating functional dyspepsia. Specifically, the trial will compare the benefits of applying electroacupuncture to points on the abdomen (local points) versus points on the arms and legs (distal points), alongside a control group receiving a sham (inactive) treatment. The goal is to determine the most effective acupuncture strategy for improving patients' digestive symptoms and overall quality of life.

Effects of Different-Frequency Electroacupuncture on Suprahyoid Muscles in Post-Stroke Dysphagia: Efficacy and Neural Networks

This randomized controlled study in patients with post-stroke dysphagia aims to determine the optimal stimulation frequency of electroacupuncture of the suprahyoid muscles and to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms. Participants will be assigned to low-frequency (2 Hz), medium-frequency (50 Hz), or high-frequency (100 Hz) electroacupuncture groups. Therapeutic efficacy will be assessed using the Kubota water-drinking test, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and ultrasonography to identify the optimal frequency. In parallel, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be used to evaluate changes in fiber connectivity between swallowing-related cortical regions (bilateral precentral gyrus, insula, supramarginal gyrus, and frontal lobe) and the medullary nucleus tractus solitarius, thereby exploring neural network remodeling and providing mechanistic evidence to inform clinical practice.

Study on the Impact of Electroacupuncture Combined With Self-Acupressure on the Quality of Life of Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with self-acupressure on the quality of life of early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Electroacupuncture Regulation of Immune Cells in Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster (HZ), caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), is a common infection characterized by localized pain and blistering, with higher incidence in females. HZ affects patients' physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. The immune system is critical in HZ pathogenesis. Studies show acupuncture relieves pain, modulates immunity, and may lower postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) risk. However, evidence is limited on whether electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates HZ by modulating immune cells. Using mass cytometry (CyTOF), this study will analyze peripheral immune cell changes pre- and post-EA to explore its regulatory effects on HZ immunity. This study will recruit HZ patients and healthy controls (HC), dividing patients into medication-only and medication+EA groups to assess EA's potential immunomodulatory effects in HZ treatment.

Electroacupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced GI Symptom Clusters in Breast Cancer

This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of electroacupuncture in managing chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal symptom clusters through clinical research. Building upon this foundation, multi-omics analyses will be conducted to investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of electroacupuncture on gastrointestinal symptoms. Ultimately, genomic studies will be performed to further clarify the key targets of electroacupuncture intervention, thereby providing high-level evidence-based medical support and theoretical foundations for optimizing electroacupuncture strategies in addressing chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with cancer.

Electroacupuncture Combined With PD-1 Inhibitor for ECOG2 Advanced NSCLC

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with PD-1 inhibitors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have an ECOG performance status of 2 through a multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. The core scientific question addressed in this study was whether EA combined with standard immunotherapy could further improve progression-free survival (PFS), immune function, and quality of life in these patients. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive EA plus a PD-1 inhibitor (trial group) or sham EA plus a PD-1 inhibitor (control group) through a computerized randomization system. PD-1 inhibitors were administered every 21 days for four to six cycles, followed by maintenance therapy according to each patient's condition. EA intervention was initiated on the first day of each immunotherapy cycle and administered once daily for five sessions per cycle, continuing for four to six cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), first-line treatment completion rate, quality of life as assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, immune function index, and incidence of adverse events according to CTCAE 5.0 criteria. In addition, peripheral blood was collected from patients at baseline for non-coding RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were identified through bioinformatics analysis to determine potential molecular biomarkers associated with the synergistic effects of EA, thereby providing a basis for accurately identifying patients likely to benefit from EA therapy.

Electroacupuncture for Dysmenorrhea Secondary to Adenomyosis

The aim of this study is to preliminarily evaluate the is to assess the effects and safety of electroacupuncture for moderate to severe dysmenorrhea secondary to adenomyosis.

Electroacupuncture Combined With PD-1 Inhibitor for Elderly Patients With Advanced NSCLC

The goal of this clinical trial is to elucidate the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture combined with PD-1 inhibitor therapy in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial. The main question it aims to answer is: the combination of electroacupuncture and PD-1 inhibitor therapy has demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical efficacy and safety profiles among elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. Researchers will compare a sham electroacupuncture group combined with PD-1 inhibitor therapy (serving as the control group) to see if the intervention group exhibits superior therapeutic efficacy and safety outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an electroacupuncture combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor group, or a sham electroacupuncture combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor group. The immune checkpoint inhibitor will be administered on a 21-day cycle, with a total of 4 to 6 treatment cycles, followed by the option for maintenance therapy. Electroacupuncture treatment will commence on the same day as the initiation of the immune checkpoint inhibitor cycle, administered once daily for a total of five sessions per cycle, with 4 to 6 cycles in total. The primary outcome measure is progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes include objective response rate (ORR), quality of life, immune function, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores for lung cancer, and safety parameters. This study aims to establish the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture combined with PD-1 inhibitors in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. Additionally, peripheral non-coding RNA will be collected at baseline to analyze differentially expressed genes, thereby identifying molecular predictive biomarkers for patients who may benefit most from this combined treatment approach.

Zusanli (ST36) Electroacupuncture Treatment for Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

This study aims to investigate the potential synergistic effects of acupuncture combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy. Over the past decade, significant progress in cancer immunotherapy has been driven by breakthroughs in understanding immune checkpoint molecules; however, monotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors still faces challenges due to low response rates. As a traditional Chinese medical intervention, acupuncture modulates neuro-immune pathways to achieve remote regulation of organ functions, with particular anti-tumor potential observed at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint-a site located 2 cm below the knee that can be stimulated via electroacupuncture (EA) to improve gastrointestinal function and alleviate inflammation. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that EA suppresses tumor growth in breast cancer models, reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, enhances anti-tumor activity of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, and decreases accumulation of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Animal studies show that ST36 EA increases key immunomodulatory factors like serum IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-17, thereby potentiating the efficacy of anti-tumor drugs. Guided by the traditional TCM principle of "reinforcing healthy qi to consolidate the body's resistance," modern clinical applications of EA combined with specific acupoint regimens (e.g., ST36, Sanyinjiao) have effectively alleviated cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced side effects, and fatigue. This study will evaluate the safety and immunosensitization effects of ST36 EA combined with PD-1 inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer patients, employing 1 mA electroacupuncture for 3 consecutive days to activate immune responses. By leveraging acupuncture-induced immune remodeling, this approach aims to provide a novel integrative medicine strategy to overcome resistance to immunotherapy.

Efficacy and Central Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture for Medication Overuse Headache

Acupuncture is commonly used for the prevention of migraine and tension-type headaches, and has been found to be effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of these conditions. However, studies on acupuncture for medication overuse headache (MOH) are limited, and current research has not been able to determine whether its efficacy is due to the actual therapeutic effects of acupuncture or psychological benefits. To address this issue, the investigators have designed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for MOH. In addition, the investigators will explore the regulatory effects of electroacupuncture on central mechanisms in MOH and conduct multi-omics analysis.

Electroacupuncture Combined With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as Adjuvant Therapy After Surgery for Early-stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Postoperative immunoadjuvant therapy has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence after resectable NSCLC, and has become a new standard of postoperative adjuvant therapy for stage II-III NSCLC. Immunotherapy faces challenges such as immune resistance, heterogeneity of biomarker expression, and limitation of immune-suitable population. How to reduce the rate of recurrence and metastasis after surgery, enhance the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy, and then prolong the survival period and improve the quality of life, has become an urgent problem facing the current clinical. Based on the standards of evidence-based medicine, this study for the first time carried out a large sample, multi-center, randomized parallel controlled clinical study to obtain high-quality clinical evidence of the effectiveness and safety of electro-acupuncture and Zilongjin tablet synergic treatment, and formed a standard treatment plan of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Prophylaxis of Menstrually Related Migraine

Acupuncture is commonly used for the prevention of migraine and tension-type headaches, and has been found to be effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of these conditions. However, studies on acupuncture for menstrually related migraine (MRM) are limited, and current research has not been able to determine whether its efficacy is due to the actual therapeutic effects of acupuncture or psychological benefits. To address this issue, the investigators have designed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for MRM.

The Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia in the Head and Face With Superficial Needling Combined With Electroacupuncture

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients with head and face PHN who met the requirements were selected as trial subjects, and the efficacy was clarified in a randomized controlled design trial. The visual analog score VAS was used as the primary evaluation index, and the depression self-assessment scale score , Hamilton depression scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale, and quality of life evaluation scale (SF-36) were used as the secondary evaluation indexes, and oral pregabalin was used as the control group, and the subjects in the pregabalin and the plexus superficial stabbing combined with electroacupuncture groups were observed respectively at the time of Before treatment, immediately after the first treatment, after 2 days of treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 1 month of follow-up after the end of treatment and after 2 months of follow-up after the end of treatment.

Electroacupuncture for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Breast Cancer

This randomized controlled phase III trial aims to evaluate the use of electroacupuncture in combination with olanzapine-containing standard quadruple antiemetic drugs for the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) in patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, it will analyze the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism and electroacupuncture treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

The Treatment of Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis With Electroacupuncture Combined With Microneedle Knife

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients with allergic rhinitis who meet the requirements are selected as trial subjects, and the efficacy is clarified in a randomized controlled design trial. We will Use the total nasal symptom score as the primary outcome index, serum chemokine, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, eosinophil cationic protein, total non-nasal symptom score, and rhinitis-related quality of life scale as secondary outcome indexes, and oral cetirizine hydrochloride tablets and nasal budesonide spray as the control group, the efficacy of the subjects in the electroacupuncture combined with microneedle knife group and the drug group will be observed respectively before treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment, after 4 weeks, 1 month follow-up after the end of treatment, and 3 months follow-up after the end of treatment. 4 weeks later, 1 month follow-up after the end of treatment and 3 months follow-up after the end of treatment.

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

This study hypothesizes that electroacupuncture combined with self-administered acupressure plus doctor-prescribed treatment is effective in preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) caused by capecitabine. It aims to explore the effectiveness of this combined approach in preventing HFS in patients with malignant tumors undergoing oral capecitabine treatment. Further exploration of prevention and treatment methods may enhance the quality of life for patients during the treatment process.

Electro-acupuncture to Treat Disorder of Consciousness

With the rapid development of life support technology, more and more people can survive severe brain injury. Some survivors regain consciousness after a period of coma, however, many patients develop prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC), which poses a therapeutic challenge for clinicians and a heavy burden for their families. The investigators design an Electro-acupuncture to treat disorder of consciousness (AcuDoc) trial with the aim of validating the clinical effect of electroacupuncture in treating DOC and exploring its therapeutic mechanisms by integrating EEG, neuroimaging, evoked potential tests, and behavioral assessments.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Sensitive Symptoms of Distal Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

This is a controlled clinical trial with the aim to study the effects of electroacupuncture on neuropathic pain reduction, quality of life and changes in sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, beneficiaries of the familiar medical centers 20, 40 and 41 of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, at north of Mexico City, in colaboration with the human acupuncture specialty of the Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico.

Electroacupuncture to Assist Ventilator Weaning in Severe Stroke

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in assisting ventilator weaning in patients with severe stroke

Electroacupuncture Plus Antiemetic Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Breast Cancer

This study explores the effectiveness of combining electroacupuncture with olanzapine-containing four-drug antiemetic therapy to mitigate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with breast cancer. The research aims to assess the adjunctive benefits of electroacupuncture in enhancing the antiemetic effects of conventional medication, particularly in the context of highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. By investigating the synergistic potential of these modalities, the study seeks to provide insights into optimizing supportive care strategies for patients with breast cancer undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment.

Clinical Evaluation of Surrounding Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain

Comparison and evaluation of the difference in clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with surrounding acupuncture and sham electroacupuncture groups and control group (ice compress combined with brake rest group) in the treatment of ALAS by means of musculoskeletal ultrasound technique.

Electroacupuncture Pain Treatment, Mechanical Hyperalgesia, Quality of Life & Expression of Mu+ B Cells in Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, multifactorial syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain with hyperal- gesia and allodynia and a constellation of somatic and psychological manifestations, including fatigue, sleep dis- orders, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal and cognitive disorders. FM is now recognized as one of the most common chronic pain conditions and its management remains a challenge for patients and healthcare profes- sionals. The fact that FM is associated with chronic pain without any obvious peripheral tissue damage has given rise to the concept of nociplastic pain with evidence of dysfunction in mono-aminergic neurotransmission, lead- ing to elevated levels of excitatory neurotransmitters and decreased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the spinal cord at the level of descending anti-nociceptive pathways. Additionally, dopamine dysregulation and altered activity of endogenous cerebral opioids have been observed in FM. Recent European guidelines on FM treatment emphasize that there should be a comprehensive assessment of patient's pain, function and psychosocial context. It is recognized that there are profound and fundamental problems associated with the pain assessment tools in common use, as most of these represent an attempt to reduce a multidimensional experience to a coarse unidimensional measure. Use of multiple tools for sub- jective and objective assessment of pain may reflect more accurately patient's pain experience. Furthermore, tracing a biologic pain marker in FM patients would facilitate both the initial assessment of pain and the re- sponse to treatment. Management of pain in FM patients should focus first on non-pharmacological modalities. Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment and exerts its analgesic effect through activation of pe- ripheral and central pain control systems with the release of β-endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine, γ-aminobutyric acid or ATP. The aim of our study is to assess initially reported pain and evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (with or without diet modifications) on the "whole experience of pain" in FM patients in a multimodel assessment frame.