Abstract / Summary
Abstract Introduction Electroacupuncture (EA) shows promise for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms, yet its role in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with cancer remains unclear. This is a randomized, controlled, patient‐blinded and assessor‐blinded pilot trial comparing two EA regimens to evaluate the improvement of neuropsychiatric symptoms and associated biomarkers in AYA cancer survivors. Methods AYA cancer survivors aged 16–39 years who self‐reported cognitive impairment, fatigue, insomnia, or psychological distress were randomized (1:1) to receive 10 weekly EA sessions targeting either neuropsychiatric‐specific acupoints (nEA) or non‐neuropsychiatric‐specific acupoints (active control; cEA). Blood collection, neurocognitive testing, and patient‐reported outcomes were obtained at four timepoints. Results Thirty‐four AYAs participated (mean ± standard deviation age, 20.9 ± 3.5 years). Of these, 82% reported two or more neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline. Completion of all EA sessions was comparable between study arms (nEA, 64.7%; cEA, 70.6%). Symptom improvement increased over time in both arms, with approximately one half reporting symptom improvement mid‐treatment (nEA, 53.8%; cEA, 60.0%) and ≥80% reporting improvement at 4 weeks posttreatment (nEA, 80.0%; cEA, 92.3%). At the end of treatment, greater improvement in attention (Cohen d = 1.480; p < .05) in the nEA arm and response speed (Cohen d = −1.091; p < .05) in the cEA arm were observed. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels were higher in the cEA arm (d = −1.073; p < .05), whereas interleukin‐10 (Cohen d = 1.378; p < .05) and RANTES (Cohen d = 1.058; p < .05) levels were greater in the nEA arm. All adverse events were grade ≤2. Conclusion AYAs across both EA regimens demonstrated meaningful improvements in neuropsychiatric symptoms, accompanied by corresponding biomarker changes. However, maximal benefit occurred among the participants who completed all scheduled sessions, underscoring the importance of strategies to optimize EA session adherence ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05283577).