Could a tiny ear device beat cancer fatigue?

NCT ID NCT07529431

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Vermont Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a small, non-invasive device that stimulates a nerve in the ear can help reduce fatigue in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Thirteen adults with advanced cancer and significant fatigue will use the device at home for 60 minutes daily over six weeks. The main goal is to see if patients can stick with the routine and if the device is safe, while also checking for any improvement in tiredness and quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, drug-free way to manage severe fatigue in cancer patients on immunotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early feasibility study with only 13 participants. It is designed to test if the device can be used at home, not yet to prove it reduces fatigue.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

metastatic malignant neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE

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