This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine patch application at the Shenque (RN8) acupoint on cancer-related fatigue in adult cancer patients scheduled to undergo radiotherapy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a traditional Chinese medicine patch or a sham patch at the same acupoint. The intervention will be applied once daily for 2 hours, 7 days per week, for 2 consecutive weeks, for a total of 14 sessions. Fatigue severity, quality of life, heart rate variability, complete blood count, and skin safety will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Adults aged 20 years or older.
Patients diagnosed with cancer by a physician.
Patients scheduled to undergo radiotherapy.
Patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for cancer-related fatigue and have a fatigue scale score of 4 or higher.
Patients who are not suitable for traditional Chinese medicine patch application, including those with wounds or skin lesions at the acupoint application site.
Patients who are unwilling to sign the informed consent form.
Minors, pregnant women, patients with psychiatric disorders, or vulnerable populations.
Patients with diseases that may affect heart rate variability.