Ear needles may spark saliva in Dry-Mouth cancer survivors
NCT ID NCT04222478
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether auriculotherapy—a type of ear acupuncture using semi-permanent needles—can improve saliva production in people with dry mouth (xerostomia) after radiation for head and neck cancer. Participants receive three sessions of either real or sham auriculotherapy over three months. The main goal is to see if the real treatment increases saliva output compared to the sham, measured by the weight of compresses placed in the mouth.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture with semi-permanent needles)
What this could lead to
If effective, this could offer a non-drug option to ease dry mouth after cancer treatment, improving comfort and quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with 65 participants. The sham group also receives needles, so the real benefit may be small or due to a placebo effect.
Disclaimer
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Brest - Hôpital Morvan
Brest, Brittany Region, 29600, France
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GHP Saint Joseph
Paris, 75014, France
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Hôpital Foch
Suresnes, 92150, France
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Hôpital Forcilles
Férolles-Attilly, 77150, France