Feasibility of Auricular Acupressure Therapy for Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients

Pain Manag Nurs. 2026 Feb 11:S1524-9042(26)00002-0. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2026.01.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the feasibility of auricular acupressure as a pain management strategy for cancer patients with neuropathic pain caused by tumor nerve compression, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.

DESIGN AND METHODS: A 4-week pilot study included 14 cancer patients with neuropathic pain. Participants were trained to perform self-administration of auricular acupressure by daily stimulating specific ear acupoints tailored to their pain. Feasibility outcomes measured included withdrawal and adherence rates, pain symptoms, quality of life, and depression levels.

RESULTS: The study had a 33.3% withdrawal rate, with 85.7% completing the intervention. Auricular acupressure significantly reduced pain severity, pain interference, and neuropathic pain while improving quality of life. However, there was no significant change in depression scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Auricular acupressure is a feasible nonpharmacological intervention for managing neuropathic pain in cancer patients, with high adherence and minimal side effects.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Auricular acupressure can serve as a valuable self-management tool for cancer patients, offering a noninvasive option for pain relief while empowering patients to actively participate in their care. Nurses and healthcare providers can incorporate auricular acupressure into patient education and chronic pain management programs, emphasizing its potential to reduce reliance on medications. Further research with larger, diverse samples and robust methodologies is recommended to confirm its long-term efficacy and optimize clinical protocols for broader implementation in oncology settings.

PMID:41680003 | DOI:10.1016/j.pmn.2026.01.002