Effects of Laser Acupuncture on Constipation in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Study Protocol for a Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Constipation is a common, uncomfortable, and frustrating complication in patients with advanced cancer which in turn affects the patient’s quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of laser acupuncture on constipation. Methods This is a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial study. A sample of 74 participants will be randomly assigned to either the verum or the sham laser acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. The participants will receive laser acupuncture or sham laser acupuncture once a day for consecutive six days on eight acupoints (LI4, LI11, PC6, ST36, ST37, ST39, SP4, and SP9). The number of complete spontaneous bowel will be used primarily for the evaluation, and symptoms of constipation, comfort levels during defecation, and colonic motility will be also be measured. Data will be analyzed using the chi-square test or t -test. Analysis of covariance will be used to examine the differences on symptoms of constipation between two groups and adjusted for their respective baseline levels. Discussion This trial may provide evidence for improving the short-term benefit for advanced cancer patients by relieving the symptoms caused by constipation. As a result, further reduce the usage of medications, and lower the side effects due to medications. Trial registration:  ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04318808. Registered on 24 March 2020.