The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and understand the biological mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in reducing cognitive toxicity among cancer survivors. The study aims are:
* To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a 10-week EA regimen targeting neuropsychiatric-related acupoints in reducing cognitive toxicity among cancer survivors in Singapore. * To explore the biological mechanisms underlying EA's effects on cognitive function. * To assess the early implementation of EA for managing cognitive toxicity in cancer survivors.
Researchers will compare results from the true EA arm, sham EA arm and waitlist control arm, to see if electroacupuncture can help improve cognitive issues related to cancer and its treatment, how it may work, and what factors may affect how it is delivered in cancer care.
Participants will:
* Be assigned to either of the 3 arms (true EA, sham EA, waitlist control) * Received 10 EA sessions (if assigned to true or sham EA arm) * Complete 3 study assessment visits at baseline, Week 13, and Week 17 * Be invited to a one-time interview to share their study experience (optional, if selected)
Aged 21-85 years
Documented cancer diagnosis in electronic health records
Perceived by the survivor or oncology care provider that cognitive function has worsened since cancer diagnosis and/or beginning of cancer treatment
Able to understand English or Mandarin
Presence of brain metastases
Severe needle phobia
Known bleeding disorder (e.g. hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopenia).
Current use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy (e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran)
National Cancer Centre, Singapore
Lead sponsor
Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution
Collaborator