Auricular Acupuncture in Patients With Multiple Myeloma (MY_ACU)

University Hospital Tuebingen

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Multiple Myeloma; Depression; Fatigue; Pain

Treatments: Other: Auricular Acupuncture

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05762250

S00776

Details and patient eligibility

About

In the present study, the effect of ear acupressure treatment according to the NADA protocol on the quality of life of patients with multiple myeloma (all stages) will be investigated. Furthermore, the effect of ear acupressure on anxiety and depression, pain, fatigue and sleep of the patients will be assessed.

Enrollment: 125 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 70 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients with multiple myeloma (all stages) on current therapy, who suffer from persistent disease- or therapy-associated symptoms and limitations (screening by distress thermometer, score ≥ 5)
• Informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• medical reasons or
• a mental condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, does not allow the patient to participate in the study,
• a planned radiation therapy in the area of the skull (to avoid potential scattered radiation),
• a missing legally binding signature on the informed consent form,
• participation in another acupuncture/acupressure study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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125 participants in 2 patient groups

Auricular Acupuncture

Experimental group

Description:

Intervention group: Ear acupressure is performed on both ears with permanent pellets according to the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol over a period of 8 weeks (presentation at the study center 1x/week, application of the acupressure patches there; these remain on both ears for 5 days and should be massaged 3x/day by the patients themselves according to the instructions provided). In addition, patients receive a 30-minute psychoeducational talk at the first treatment appointment to promote their own health competence.

Treatment:

Other: Auricular Acupuncture

Waitlist

No Intervention group

Description:

Control group: standard treatment / waiting list Patients in the control group will also receive a one-time 30-minute psychoeducational interview at baseline.