What this study is
The objective of the proposed pilot is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 16-week sequential, multiple assessment randomized trial (SMART), which includes virtual Tai Chi/Qi Gong or α- Lipoic acid (ALA) supplements as an initial treatment, and acupuncture as the additional treatment, that examines a stepped-care intervention to address CIPN.
What's being tested
- Tai Chi/Qi Gong
Intervention · BEHAVIORAL
Participants will be asked to attend Tai Chi/Qi Gong classes for one hour twice a week for 8 weeks over Zoom video conferencing or in person. Using a manualized approach, each class will provide objectives and learning activities related to sequentially learning a specific set of Tai Chi/Qi Gong movements with verification of skills attainment weekly24. Six key elements will be emphasized: 1) Mindfulness; 2) Postural alignment; 3) Natural breathing; 4) Active relaxation, 5) Slow movement, and 6) Integrated movement.
- α- Lipoic acid
Intervention · DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
Participants will be provided with Lipoic Acid Supplement (300 mg) bottles, with instructions to take two tablets daily, 30 minutes before breakfast.
- Acupuncture
Intervention · PROCEDURE
participants will receive acupuncture treatments for 8 weeks. After disinfecting the skin with an alcohol swab, acupuncturists inserted filiform 0.16 mm × 15 mm (or 30 mm) sterilized, disposable acupuncture needles in the ear and Ba Feng points; 0.20 mm × 30 mm (or 40 mm) sterilized, disposable acupuncture needles will be inserted at body points. Needles for body points will be inserted 0.5 inches into the skin and left for 30 min after achieving de qi, a sensation of achiness, soreness and heaviness.
Study details
- Sponsor
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
- Conditions
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Enrolling
- 60 people
- Starts
- 2026-01-20
- Est. completion
- 2026-04
- Design
- Open-label, randomized, sequential groups
- Record
- View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Who can join
Age 18 Years and overSex ALLHealthy volunteers Not acceptedYou may qualify if
- Age 18 years or older,
- Self-reported moderate (≥ 2/4) numbness and tingling on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) Numbness and Tingling Severity Item in the previous week,
- At least three months since the last receipt of neurotoxic chemotherapy,
- Prior receipt of paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, nab-paclitaxel, or carboplatin for the treatment of stage I-III Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers,
- Speaking/reading English.
You can't join if
- Prognosis of ≤ 3 months,
- Documented neuropathy attributed to other causes (e.g., diabetic neuropathy),
- Intention to initiate a new prescription of duloxetine or other pain medications (i.e., first-line treatment for CIPN pain) during the study period; however, participants may continue on duloxetine or other pain medications if initiated at least 8 weeks before study enrollment, with no change in dose, and reporting unmanaged CIPN (i.e., ≥ 2/4) PRO-CTCAE numbness/tingling severity in the last week,
- Currently using alcohol (ethyl), which means regular alcohol consumption (defined as ≥7 drinks/week for women, ≥14 drinks/week for men, or binge drinking >3 drinks per occasion at least weekly) within the past 3 months, or current alcohol use disorder or inability/unwillingness to abstain from alcohol during the study intervention period,
- Currently using calcium salts, iron preparations or magnesium salts orally,
- With thyroid disorders, particularly those with hypo- or hyperthyroidism,
- With thiamine deficiency, as assessed and verified by the physician.
Sign in and we'll check these against your records.Full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Study locations (1)
1 openSidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Kuang-Yi Wen, MD · Contact2155034623Kuang-Yi.Wen@Jefferson.edu
Recruiting
Study team
Sponsor
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Study ID iRISID-2025-0254
Principal investigator
Kuang-Yi Wen, PhD
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Frequently asked questions
The sponsor hasn't published answers to common questions for this trial.