Effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Quality of Life in Chronic Cancer Pain

Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation in Improving the Quality of Life for Patients With Chronic Cancer Pain

This study aims to objectively evaluate the effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (PC-TEAS) on improving the quality of life in patients with chronic cancer pain, thereby providing evidence-based medical support for its efficacy and offering practical basis for patients to achieve home-based auxiliary treatment based on their own needs. Furthermore, by observing and comparing changes in indicators such as pain-related scores, analgesic consumption, emotional scores, spontaneous bowel movements, and adverse events, this research will comprehensively assess the advantages of PC-TEAS in the management of chronic cancer pain and explore other potential benefits of this intervention for patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 80 years, regardless of gender;
• Diagnosis of primary or metastatic malignant tumor confirmed by histopathology and/or cytology, consistent with the American Cancer Society criteria for malignancy;
• Presence of cancer-related pain, defined as an average Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 2 over the preceding week or current regular use of opioid analgesics;
• Life expectancy ≥ 3 months;
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) score ≤ 2, stable vital signs, clear consciousness, intact pain perception, unimpaired communication, ability to cooperate with study procedures and complete assessments;
• Provision of signed informed consent by the patient or their legal guardian after comprehensive explanation of the study;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pain not attributable to cancer;
• Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction or respiratory depression;
• Implantation of cardiac pacemaker or metallic implants at stimulation sites;
• Local skin lesions or conditions unsuitable for TEAS at the acupoint sites;
• Severe psychiatric disorders or significant cognitive impairment;
• Concurrent participation in other clinical trials that may interfere with the outcome evaluation of this study;
• Previous history of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS);