Can a simple ear massage help cancer patients eat better?

NCT ID NCT05911243

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small pilot study tested whether applying acupressure to the ear could help improve appetite and prevent weight loss in people with advanced stomach, esophagus, or pancreatic cancer. The approach uses small adhesive pellets placed on specific ear spots to stimulate the nervous system. Only 3 people enrolled before the study was stopped, so we cannot draw firm conclusions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Acupressure therapy (auricular acupressure with adhesive pellets)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safe, low-cost way to help cancer patients with appetite loss and weight maintenance.
What could go wrong
This was a very small pilot study (only 3 participants) that was terminated early, so results are limited and may not apply to others.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium

    Seattle, Washington, 98109, United States

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