The effect of contact needle therapy on fatigue in patients with cancer in palliative care: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Almost all patients with end-of-life cancer experience cancer-related fatigue; however, there are only a few known effective coping methods.

Objectives: We will conduct a prospective, multi-center, single-blinded randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in patients with end-of-life cancer.

Methods: We will enroll 120 patients with cancer hospitalized in a palliative care unit or receiving consultation from a palliative care team in four hospitals.