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

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 thepresence of symmetrical stocking-glove pain, numbness, or paresthesia

• Grade ≥1 sensory pain based on the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for AdverseEvents (CTCAE) version 5.0

• Self-reported moderate to severe CIPN pain, as defined by a score of 4 or greater onthe BPI-SF average pain item over the past week

• On a stable regimen (no change in the past three months) if taking anti-neuropathyor other pain medications

• Willing to adhere to requirement that no new pain medication be taken throughout thefirst 12 weeks of the study period

• Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one ofthe 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