Effects of VNS on RT-induced Inflammation and Prognosis of Patients With NSCLC

NCT ID: NCT03553485

Last Updated: 2019-06-25

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

UNKNOWN

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

12 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2018-08-08

Study Completion Date

2019-12-31

Brief Summary

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Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of death among cancers worldwide. Though radiotherapy is one of the most frequently used treatments, it increases side-effects (pain, fatigue) and inflammation, possibly leading to further tumorigenesis of surviving cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of transcutaneous auricular VNS vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS), known to reduce inflammation, on radiotherapy-induced inflammation and other side-effects in LC patients undergoing radiotherapy.

In this feasibility study 12 patients with NSCLC stage III (A/B) receiving radiotherapy will be enrolled. Our primary endpoint is the effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on inflammatory levels (such as CRP and cytokines), immunological factors (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) and the tumor marker CEA. Our secondary endpoint is the psychological well-being and quality of life of the patients during their radiotherapy treatment.

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Lung Cancer, Non-small Cell

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

TRIPLE

Participants Caregivers Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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taVNS

Treatment will be carried out twice a day (once before the RT session and 8h later) during 7 weeks. Each treatment takes 30 minutes.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation

Intervention Type DEVICE

The transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator Parasym consists of a stimulation unit and a dedicated ear electrode. The stimulation unit, having approximately the size of a common mobile phone, sends out the electrical impulses. It is connected with the ear electrode, which patients wear like an earphone. The patient can regulate and adapt the intensity of the stimulation (current intensity) according to his/her individual sensitivity, which can vary from day to day or even over the period of the therapy.

Radiotherapy

Intervention Type RADIATION

Standard treatment for included patients

Control

Treatment will be carried out twice a day (once before the RT session and 8h later) during 7 weeks. Each treatment takes 30 minutes.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham Earclip electrodes are electrodes that appear identical to functioning electrodes, however do not deliver any stimulation due to removed wiring.

Radiotherapy

Intervention Type RADIATION

Standard treatment for included patients

Interventions

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Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation

The transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator Parasym consists of a stimulation unit and a dedicated ear electrode. The stimulation unit, having approximately the size of a common mobile phone, sends out the electrical impulses. It is connected with the ear electrode, which patients wear like an earphone. The patient can regulate and adapt the intensity of the stimulation (current intensity) according to his/her individual sensitivity, which can vary from day to day or even over the period of the therapy.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham

Sham Earclip electrodes are electrodes that appear identical to functioning electrodes, however do not deliver any stimulation due to removed wiring.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Radiotherapy

Standard treatment for included patients

Intervention Type RADIATION

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Patients \>18 years old
* Patients with non-small cell lung cancer stage III (A or B)
* Patients receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy
* Patients with an HRV \< 70 msec

Exclusion Criteria

* Patients with an active implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant or any other implanted electronic device
* Patients with an implanted or wearable defibrillator.
* Patients with myocardial disease
* Patients with arrhythmias
* Patients with an implanted metallic or electronic device in their head.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Kom Op Tegen Kanker

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Reijmen Eva

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Reijmen, Dra

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

VUB

Locations

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UZ Brussels

Brussels, , Belgium

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Belgium

Central Contacts

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Reijmen, Dra

Role: CONTACT

+32498254615

Facility Contacts

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Reijmen, Dra

Role: primary

+32498254615

Other Identifiers

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1.0_09/01/2018

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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