The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Nerve Pain Caused by Chemotherapy (Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy)

This study is a randomized controlled trial of electroacupuncture (referred to as EA) versus sham acupuncture (referred to as EA) as effective treatments for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) pain in cancer survivors.

Inclusion Criteria: * English-proficient men and women aged ≥18 years * Free of oncologic disease by clinical examination and history * Completed neurotoxic chemotherapy such as platinum agents, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and bortezomib at least three months prior to enrollment * Diagnosis of CIPN based on symptom history, loss of deep tendon reflexes, or the presence of symmetrical stocking-glove pain, numbness, or paresthesia * Grade ≥1 sensory pain based on the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 * Self-reported moderate to severe CIPN pain, as defined by a score of 4 or greater on the BPI-SF average pain item over the past week * On a stable regimen (no change in the past three months) if taking anti-neuropathy or other pain medications * Willing to adhere to requirement that no new pain medication be taken throughout the first 12 weeks of the study period * Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one of the two possible acupuncture treatments Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a pacemaker or other electronically charged medical device * Use of acupuncture for symptom management within the past 12 months