Clinical trials

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Condition / disease
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Status: Not yet recruiting

Endoscopic Application of Hemostatic Drug Powder in Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Pilot Study

This clinical trial will enroll patients at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. All patients who are hospitalized for lower gastrointestinal bleeding and undergo colonoscopy will be invited to participate. This study uses random allocation, with one Intervention group and one Standard group. Both groups will receive standard endoscopic hemostasis. Afterward, patients in the Intervention group will receive local administration of 1.5 g of tranexamic acid and 3 g of sucralfate. Following the endoscopic procedure, patients will be directly observed for 5 minutes to confirm successful hemostasis. All patients will be followed for 28 days to assess the occurrence of post-procedural rebleeding.

Participants needed: 60
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jul 1, 2026
Eligibility criteria

patients suspect lower gastrointestinal bleeding

absence of indication for endoscopic hemostasis [+2]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Topical Application of Sucralfate in Promoting Healing of Esophageal Ulcers After Esophageal Varices Ligation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients with EV bleeding often suffered from hematemesis, Tarry stool, and blood loss. Standard treatment for bleeding esophageal varices includes hemodynamic stabilization, pharmacological control, and endoscopic intervention. For endoscopic intervention, endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is the first-line therapy with 95% initial hemostasis success rate. However, after variceal ligation, esophageal ulcers form 3 days later. These ulcers expose underlying vessels in friable esophageal mucosa, exacerbated by portal hypertension and coagulopathy in cirrhosis patients. Bleeding peaks around day 5-10 when bands detach. Among these patients, 7-9% of patients experience recurrent bleeding as a result. Recurrent bleeding from esophageal ulcers carries an extremely high mortality rate, particularly in patients with advanced stage cirrhosis. Therefore, how to promote esophageal ulcer healing and prevent ulcer rebleeding is an important clinical issue. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the primary drugs for preventing and treating gastric ulcers, but clinical evidence for their role in preventing post-ligation esophageal ulcers is insufficient. Sucralfate, a complex of aluminum hydroxide and sucrose octa sulfate, can bind to the wound base. This protective barrier can prevent the wound from further environmental injury. Sucralfate has been widely used for wounds and ulcer treatment, e.g., skin wounds, oral ulcers, and peptic ulcers. Our recent clinical trial also proved topical sucralfate can prevent postpolypectomy bleeding. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the topical administration of sucralfate after standard endoscopic hemostasis can promote the esophageal ulcer healing and reduce the rebleeding event.

Participants needed: 60
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jul 1, 2026
Eligibility criteria

cirrhotic patients aged ≥ 18 years who accept endoscopy for esophageal variceal...

no need of endoscopic hemostasis [+2]

Status: Not yet recruiting

An AI-Based Prediction of Cognitive Capacity in Older Adults and Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment During Virtual Reality Driving Tasks

Driving ability in older adults is essential for independent mobility and social participation, yet declines under high cognitive load or distraction often lead to visual attention failures such as "look-but-fail-to-see," increasing crash risk. Older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show impairments in visual attention, executive control, and visuomotor integration, which are not adequately captured by conventional assessments. Virtual reality (VR) integrated with eye-tracking and upper-limb motion analysis enables ecologically valid simulation of driving scenarios and precise quantification of visuomotor behavior. However, current studies are limited by single-scenario designs, unimodal AI models, and insufficient integration of action-related data. This study proposes a multi-phase framework: Year 1 develops an eye-movement-based AI model for MCI identification; Year 2 integrates multimodal data in VR driving tasks; and Year 3 establishes an explainable AI system with longitudinal validation. The study aims to advance cognitive assessment and develop a digital tool for early MCI detection and driving risk prediction.

Participants needed: 192
Trial details
Age: 30-85Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jun 18, 2026Locations: 1Duration: 12 Months
Eligibility criteria

(1) a score of 23 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment; (2) a Clinical...

(1) the presence or history of major psychiatric disorders or central nervous sy...

Status: Recruiting

Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy With Focused Object-Directed Attention System

In this study, the investigators hypothesized that Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy with Focused Object-Directed Attention (VRMTFOA) would yield superior therapeutic effects compared to conventional Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT) in individuals with unilateral stroke. The aim of this study is to compare the immediate effects of a single session of VRMT, VRMTFOA, and VRMTFOA with auditory feedback on upper extremity function and brain activity in stroke patients.

Participants needed: 54
Trial details
Age: 20-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jun 16, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Clinical diagnosis of stroke with unilateral side involved; [+3]

Severe vision impairment; [+2]

Status: Recruiting

Neurotransmitters in Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia Patients With add-on Sodium Benzoate

Although antipsychotic is effective for schizophrenia, however, still certain proportion of patients were not responsive to treatment. Treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is accompanied by function decline and heavy burden. In recent decades, the biological mechanism of schizophrenia extended from dopamine theory to the role of glutamate system. This shift could be an alternative pathway to developing the treatment of TRS. Sodium benzoate (SB) could be an option as a glutamatergic agent for the patients with TRS. However, most evidence of SB is for treating patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders but the evidence for treating patients with TRS is scarce. To predict the treatment response of SB will be an urgent topic in the future. Little is known about the precise medicine for treating patients with TRS. The present project will extend our pilot randomized clinical trial on SB for TRS. A total of 90 patients with TRS will be enrolled from three centers and will be assigned to 8 weeks of treatment with SB or placebo (2:1). A comprehensive battery of potential markers will be employed, including 1H- magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), brain functional connectivity, genotyping, immune biomarkers, cognitive function, and clinical characteristics. The efficacy of SB on TRS will be confirmed in this project. Predictors for treatment response will be identified. Artificial intelligence algorithms will be used for probing the feasibility of precision medicine.

Participants needed: 90
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 20-55Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jun 16, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Fulfil the DSM5 criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder [+3]

Current or previous diagnosis of concurrent DSM-5 disorder due to active medical... [+3]

Status: Recruiting

Endoscopic Application of Tranexamic Acid and Sucralfate in Gastrointestinal Tumor Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common disease among the population in Taiwan, with gastrointestinal tumor bleeding accounting for 3-5% of cases. The pathophysiology of gastrointestinal tumor bleeding is unique, involving fragile surface mucosa, abnormal vascular proliferation, and malformation, making endoscopic hemostasis challenging. Conventional endoscopic hemostasis methods such as hemostatic injections, clips, or thermal coagulation have suboptimal success rates below 80%, with recurrence rates exceeding 50%. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that hemostatic powder spraying effectively enhances hemostasis for gastrointestinal ulcers and reduces recurrence rates. Our previous research repurposed tranexamic acid in a powder form to enhance hemostasis for peptic ulcer and applied sucralfate powder to prevent postpolypectomy wound bleeding. Study aim Our research team combines previous experience by using tranexamic acid and sucralfate drug powders to spray onto bleeding gastrointestinal tumors to achieve hemostatic effects. Additionally, tumor-derived exosomes are associated with tumor angiogenesis and growth, so we hypothesize that gastrointestinal tumor bleeding may be linked to VEGF and miR-21 expression within gastrointestinal tumor exosomes. Study method This study is a clinical randomized controlled trial conducted at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. We will recruit 60 patients with gastrointestinal tumor bleeding undergoing endoscopic hemostasis. Patients in the experimental treatment group will receive additional topical administration of 1.5 g of tranexamic acid and 3 g of sucralfate drug powder. Immediate hemostasis and 30-day bleeding recurrence will be observed. Enrolled patients will also provide blood and tumor specimens for exosome analysis, evaluating the predictive effect of extracted tumor exosomes' VEGF and miR-21 on bleeding risk. This study will explore the association between specific tumor exosome expression levels and bleeding, serving as a basis for bleeding risk assessment and innovative therapies.

Participants needed: 60
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Apr 20, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

patients aged ≥ 18 years who accept endoscopy for upper GI tumor bleeding

patients with no need for endoscopic hemostasis, allergy to sucralfate, tranexam...

Status: Recruiting

Effects of Virtual Reality Multisensory Cooperative Task-Oriented Mirror Therapy

In the proposed study, the investigators assumed that Virtual Reality-Based Generative Bimanual Cooperative Task-Oriented Therapy (VRMCTOMT) will provide a better treatment effects than traditional virtual reality mirror therapy (VRMT) for the patients with unilateral stroke. The aim of the study is to examine the difference in the treatment effects among the combination of task-oriented training with either VRMCTOMT, or VRMT on the upper extremity function and brain activity of the stroke patients.

Participants needed: 44
Trial details
Age: 18-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Apr 15, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Clinical diagnosis of stroke with unilateral side involved; [+3]

Severe vision impairment; [+2]

Status: Recruiting

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer

In this phase 2 study, the efficacy of total neoadjuvant therapy in Taiwanese patients with rectal cancer will be investigated. Patients with stage II or III middle/low rectal cancer will be prospective enrolled. The total neoadjuvant therapy with the short-course radiotherapy (5×5 Gy over a maximum of 8 days) followed by chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 for 9 cycles will be administered. The primary endpoint is the complete response (CR) rate which will take into account the patients with clinical and pathological complete response.

Participants needed: 42
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 20+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Apr 8, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Histologically confirmed diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectum; [+6]

Recurrent rectal cancer; [+9]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Continuous Cervical Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Interscalene Nerve Block in Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery

Shoulder arthroscopic surgery is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain, which may hinder early mobilization and functional recovery. Interscalene block (ISB) is commonly used to provide effective analgesia but is frequently associated with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis due to phrenic nerve involvement. Cervical erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proposed as an alternative regional technique that may provide analgesia while reducing respiratory-related adverse effects. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of cervical ESPB versus continuous ISB in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery.

Participants needed: 165
Trial details
Age: 18-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jan 27, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adult patients scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopic surgery

Contraindications to regional analgesia [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Effectiveness of the Safe Haven Application (App) Among Undergraduates

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Haven app in reducing mental health symptoms and enhancing mental health literacy in undergraduates at a national university in southern Taiwan. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the Safe Haven app lead to significantly greater reductions in general psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress compared to standard campus care? Does the app result in greater improvements in mental health literacy among participants? Researchers will compare an experimental group (receiving the Safe Haven app in addition to standard campus care) to a waitlist control group (receiving standard campus care only) to see if the intervention provides superior improvements in mental health outcomes over time. Participants will: Complete online assessments at three time points: baseline (T0), post-intervention (3 months, T1), and follow-up (3 months post-intervention, T2). Experimental Group: Download the Safe Haven app to complete daily mood self-monitoring and weekly assessments, and receive psychoeducational content, personalized suggestions for 3 months. Control Group: Maintain access to standard campus care and receive access to the app after the final follow-up assessment.

Participants needed: 68
Trial details
Age: 18-24Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jan 21, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

registered undergraduates aged 18-24 years [+3]

are on leave of absence or not officially enrolled during the study period [+1]

Status: Recruiting

The Effect of IoT-based Smart Exercises System in the Senior Adults

Subjects are divided into two groups, (1) Control (Ctrl) and (2) Smart Exercise (SE) group. Ctrl group are instructed to maintain their daily life. SE participants are instructed to do exercise with smart exercise system twice per week for 12 weeks. The physical fitness tests and questionnaire of both group are performed before and after the 12-week exercise program.

Participants needed: 400
Trial details
Age: 50+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Dec 24, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adult over 50 years old [+3]

limb disability or joint deformation [+3]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Prevention of Delayed Post-polypectomy Bleeding by Endoscopic Sucralfate Spray in High-risk Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Colonoscopy can detect colon polyps and perform excision to the polyps to prevent colon cancer. However, delayed polypectomy bleeding is one of the complications to be noticed, which has an occurrence rate of about 1-2%, especially large polyps over 1cm with hot snare polypectomy. Colonoscopic clipping was applied for the treatment of bleeding. However, prophylactic clipping after polypectomy was not proved to reduce the rate of delayed polypectomy bleeding. Sucralfate is used for peptic ulcer treatment, which can become a protective layer on the wound to prevent environmental injury. Our preliminary data revealed the endoscopic sucralfate spray could reduce the delayed bleeding rate among general populations. Whether sucralfate can prevent polypectomy wounds from delayed bleeding in high-risk polyps is unknown. Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy in reducing delayed bleeding rate between sucralfate administration and prophylactic clipping on high-risk polypectomy wounds. Method: This is a randomized clinical trial. The study will recruit 160 patients. After randomization, 80 patients will be classified into the Sucralfate group and 80 into the Clipping group. The participants will receive an endoscopic survey as routine, and we will enroll all patients who take antiplatelets or anticoagulants with polyp size ≥ 1 cm after hot snare polyp excision. Exclusion criteria include patients with an allergy to sucralfate. If immediate polypectomy bleeding occurs, we will apply standard endoscopic therapy by either local injection of diluted epinephrine, heater probe coagulation, and/or hemoclipping. After then, we will spray 3g of sucralfate powder through colonoscopy precisely on the polypectomy wound in the Sucralfate group, and prophylactic clipping will be placed on the polypectomy wound in the Clipping group. All enrolled patients will be monitored for delayed bleeding for 28 days after the colonoscopy. Expected results and clinical importance: This study is expected to find that the use of sucralfate powder can more effectively reduce the bleeding risk in high-risk wounds compared to prophylactic clips. In addition to promoting the implementation of national health policies and reducing public exposure to the risk of complications, it can also help avoid medical expenses resulting from complications.

Participants needed: 160
Trial details
Phase: Phase 4Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Dec 2, 2025
Eligibility criteria

patients who take antiplatelets or anticoagulants with large polyps (size ≥ 1 cm...

lacked complete data (serum creatinine, platelet count, and prothrombin time) pe... [+2]

Status: Recruiting

Precise Endoscopic Application of Nitroglycerin in Preventing Post-ERCP Pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technically demanding procedure combining endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat pancreaticobiliary disorders such as bile duct stones, strictures, and cholangitis. Despite its therapeutic value, ERCP carries a relatively high complication risk of about 10%, with severe complications occurring in roughly 24% of those affected and mortality rates between 0.2% and 0.7%. The most common and significant complication is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), occurring in 2% to 10% of average patients and up to 40% or higher in high-risk groups. PEP ranges from mild, self-limiting inflammation to severe, life-threatening conditions including pancreatic necrosis and multi-organ failure. PEP arises from mechanical trauma, hydrostatic injury, chemical irritation, or infection during ERCP that activates inflammatory pathways within the pancreas. Key patient-related risk factors include young age, female sex, prior pancreatitis, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction; procedural factors include difficult biliary cannulation, pancreatic duct manipulation, and precut sphincterotomy. Preventive strategies focus on minimizing mechanical injury and pharmacologic prophylaxis. Rectal NSAIDs (indomethacin, diclofenac) administered immediately before ERCP are well-supported for reducing PEP risk. Periprocedural aggressive intravenous hydration and prophylactic pancreatic duct stenting in high-risk cases also lower PEP incidence. Nitroglycerin, a smooth muscle relaxant acting via nitric oxide-mediated sphincter relaxation, has shown promise in PEP prevention, especially in patients contraindicated for NSAIDs. Clinical trials indicate that transdermal or sublingual nitroglycerin reduces PEP rates, and combined use with NSAIDs may enhance protection. However, current guidelines do not routinely recommend nitroglycerin due to limited consensus on its efficacy. Topical nitroglycerin, known to relax smooth muscles locally and used in anorectal conditions, might reduce sphincter of Oddi pressure without systemic side effects. This suggests potential benefit in lowering PEP incidence or severity when applied topically during ERCP, pending further investigation. This study aimed to investigate whether topical delivery of nitroglycerin can reduce the incidence rate of PEP or the severity of pancreatitis.

Participants needed: 440
Trial details
Phase: Phase 4Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Dec 8, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Eligible participants include patients aged ≥ 18 years who accept ERCP and sphin...

patients with pancreatic cancer [+5]

Status: Recruiting

Precision Health and Smart Telerehabilitation in OSA

This study aims to improve treatment strategies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, resulting in reduced oxygenation, sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The objectives are twofold: to evaluate whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model can accurately predict the most effective treatment for individual patients, and to assess whether a mobile health application can enhance adherence to oropharyngeal rehabilitation (OPR) and improve therapeutic outcomes. The study will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, a retrospective analysis will be performed using a large dataset of polysomnography (PSG) records obtained from the Sleep Center at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Machine learning algorithms will be applied to identify predictive features that differentiate responders from non-responders across Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), surgical, and OPR interventions. These findings will inform the development of a predictive treatment recommendation model. In Phase II, a prospective clinical trial will validate the predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the model. Patients newly diagnosed with OSA will be assigned to CPAP, surgery, or OPR interventions according to the model's recommendations, in combination with physician judgment and patient preference. Each intervention will last 12 weeks, followed by repeat PSG and clinical assessments. Within the OPR arm, participants will be further randomized to monitor adherence via an exercise diary or a smartphone application equipped with a pressure sensor and facial motion recognition technology, enabling real-time feedback and remote monitoring. This trial is expected to determine whether AI can provide clinically reliable treatment recommendations and whether digital telerehabilitation can improve adherence and outcomes, thereby advancing precision medicine in OSA management.

Participants needed: 300
Trial details
Age: 20+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Nov 28, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

20 years old and above [+1]

Severe allergic rhinitis [+10]

Status: Recruiting

Ultrasound and Electromyography Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing adherence to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) devices among patients with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) through structured questionnaires, while simultaneously comparing the effectiveness of different feedback modalities, including non-invasive ultrasound imaging and invasive manometry with electromyography (EMG). By integrating subjective adherence data with objective performance outcomes, the project seeks to evaluate the potential of system-level integration for personalized therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing treatment efficacy, improving patient satisfaction, and promoting sustained engagement in PFMT.

Participants needed: 70
Trial details
Age: 21+Biological sex: FemaleType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Nov 21, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Women aged 21 years or older diagnosed with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and... [+3]

Individuals planning a future pregnancy. [+1]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Investigating the Correlation Between Pre-Treatment Imaging-Derived Body Composition, Chemotherapy Dose Adjustment, and Treatment Efficacy in Gynecological Cancer Patients "

The dosage of paclitaxel, an adjuvant chemotherapy agent for endometrial and ovarian cancer, is typically calculated based on the patient's body surface area (BSA). However, cancer patients with the same BSA may exhibit significant differences in body composition, which could influence the distribution pattern of paclitaxel in the body. These variations may lead to individual differences in drug tolerance and adverse effects. Such variability not only impacts the patient's treatment experience and quality of life but may also increase medical costs, including hospitalization, emergency department visits, and additional treatments required to manage chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Our preliminary study results indicate that skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI), as assessed through computed tomography (CT) imaging, are significantly associated with the incidence of Grade 3 or higher leukopenia or neutropenia following the first two cycles of chemotherapy in patients with endometrial cancer. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy of these CT-derived muscle measurements surpasses the clinical judgment made by physicians based on conventional treatment guidelines. Patients who develop Grade 3 or higher leukopenia or neutropenia during the first two cycles are more likely to experience more frequent occurrences of Grade 3 or higher chemotherapy-related adverse effects in subsequent treatment cycles. However, no study has comprehensively investigated the relationship between body composition, chemotherapy dosing, and adverse effects. Therefore, this trial aims to examine the impact of body composition on chemotherapy dose adjustments and adverse effects. By utilizing body composition data extracted from abdominal CT imaging through this product, this study seeks to establish a risk stratification tool to assist physicians in treating patients with endometrial and ovarian cancer by providing a reference for chemotherapy dose reduction. It is expected that through a precision chemotherapy strategy, the incidence of chemotherapy-related adverse effects can be reduced, thereby lowering medical resource expenditures incurred from managing these adverse effects, such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, additional diagnostic tests, and supportive medication costs. Furthermore, this approach aims to improve patients' health-related quality of life and achieve a dual benefit of medical economic efficiency and clinical effectiveness.

Participants needed: 294
Trial details
Age: 18-80Biological sex: FemaleType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Sep 22, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Able to comprehend and willing to participate in this clinical trial, with signe... [+11]

Motion artifacts due to poor patient compliance. [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Establishing Best Treatment Strategy for T4 Esophageal Cancer

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of a new treatment approach for T4-stage esophageal cancer, which involves chemoradiotherapy after induction chemotherapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the new induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation reduce esophageal perforation rate? * Does the new induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation increase treatment response rate and patient survival? Researchers will analyze the above data to see if the new treatment approach works to treat T4 esophageal cancer. Participants will: * Receive induction chemotherapy for 4 to 8 cycles, followed by chemoradiation therapy if downstage to T3 * Visit the clinic once every week for checkups and tests * Keep a diary of their symptoms

Participants needed: 22
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1, Phase 2Age: 18-70Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Sep 22, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Histologically confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [+4]

Previous chemotherapy history [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Innovative Hand Rehabilitation System With Synchronized Contralateral Haptic Feedback

Previous studies have found that graded motor imagery (GMI) training can provide continuous activation of the cerebral cortex compared to traditional rehabilitation therapy. One of the steps in this strategy, mirror therapy, has also been widely used in the clinical treatment of hemiplegic patients. Also, comparing with traditional rehabilitation treatments, mirror therapy can continuously provide cortical activation. Besides, several studies indicated that game-based interventions contribute to brain activation in the elderly due to their interest can improve users' motivation in the training program execution. In addition, force control training has positive effects on hand dexterity, and specific doses of motor control training not only improve motor function but also have positive effects on brain function. Currently, hand function training primarily focuses on range of motion, strength, and hand function, although there is comparatively less emphasis on enhancing both force control and brain function. Moreover, studies related to mirror therapy has primarily focused on the execution of functional movements, but has not explored whether hand strength control training can achieve the same training effects on the affected or non-dominant side through the concept of mirror therapy. Furthermore, the effects of combining a hand strength control system with a synchronous contralateral clip-on force feedback device on brain activation and hand function have not yet been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of integration a finger force control training system with synchronous contralateral force feedback and mirror visual feedback device on brain activation and hand function, aiming to develop a clinically applicable hand rehabilitation system. Additionally, visual feedback from force control training in our study is through the hints displayed virtually on the game interface of the tablet, which were represented as the height of the targets, not as typical as actual movement-based mirror therapy or task-based mirror therapy. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to understand the differences among training effects of integrating Graded-Pressure Haptic Device-TiPR closed-loop system and MVF; MVF and force control training, as well as isolated force control training, and to explore the training effects on hand strength, hand function and brain activation.

Participants needed: 100
Trial details
Age: 60-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Aug 29, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age ranged from 20-80 years old [+3]

With a history of hand-related surgeries [+5]

Status: Recruiting

A Novel Multisensory-Rhythmic Intervention in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Human performance takes shape from the dynamic interaction between person, environment, and task. Goal-directed action is a complex task, which requires the elderly to adapt their motor response according to the environment constraints and task requirements to accomplish the task goal. Among age-related problems, motor control deficits are often the main problems which restricts the frail elderly from maintaining independence for activities of daily living. Therefore, to preserve the quality of life, motor function of the elderly must be taken into consideration, including early detection of motor control problems and development of appropriate intervention strategy for persons with either healthy or pathological brain aging. Rhythmic skill training which is a new mode of dual tasks using rhythmic cueing as an external agent for facilitating an automatized motor task. During training, rhythmic skill training can provide multi-component of sensory stimulation, strengthen motor planning and optimize motor execution, therefore, it will improve the motor performance for the elderly or patients with mild cognitive impairment. In addition, the neuroplastic changes related to sensory processing, selective attention, or working memory demands through music rhythm training can facilitate the cognitive function for the elderly which is a current trend of geriatric rehabilitation. Moreover, the advantage of virtual reality is that it provides important information related to knowledge of result, which can induce better motor and cognitive training effects. Therefore, this research project will focus on assessing and intervening motor adaptation of upper extremity for the healthy elderly and patients with mild cognitive impairment. The first purpose of the project will analyze the difference in efficiency of responsive and predictive grasping motor adaptation among the healthy young adults, healthy elderly and patients with mild cognitive impairment through a test of perturbation-based of pinch-holding-up-activity, and use artificial intelligence for more accurate classification for the grasp pattern of healthy young adults, elderly and patients with mild cognitive impairment. The second one is to verify the effects of virtual-reality based rhythmic skill training system on the motor adaptation capability of upper limb and cognition for the elderly and patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Participants needed: 108
Trial details
Age: 18-85Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Aug 21, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 23 or higher, [+4]

Any subjects with significant mental illness, central nervous system disorders,...

Status: Not yet recruiting

AHCC® as Immune Modulator in Cancer Patients Treated With Immunotherapy

This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate whether AHCC® (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) can enhance the effect of immunotherapy in liver cancer patients.

Participants needed: 94
Trial details
Age: 20+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Aug 12, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

1.Liver cancer patient who will receive immunotherapy [+6]

1.Major systemic diseases that the investigator considers inappropriate for part... [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Comprehensive Respiratory Training Exercise Program in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multi-factorial sleep disorder. Complete collapse or partial collapse in the airway increases the risk of developing cardiovascular and kidney-related disease in OSA patients. Resulting in an increase in medical expenses and workload for the healthcare worker. Multilevel of upper airway muscles especially the genioglossus muscle showed to contribute to airway obstruction as it fatigues easily. The endurance level of OSA patients was shown to be significantly lower. Therefore, the goal of this experimental study is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a comprehensive respiratory training exercise program on cardiorespiratory endurance, airway muscle function, and sleep parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Aside from exploring the therapeutic effect, the results of the study will be used to explore the mechanism of the treatment in relation to the changes in the OSA severity.

Participants needed: 150
Trial details
Age: 20-65Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: Jun 18, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Newly diagnosed with OSA (AHI≥ 5 events per hour) [+2]

Central or mixed types of sleep apnea [+7]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Comparing Two Methods to Measure Nasogastric Tube Length

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if using a novel nasogastric tube assisted placement system (NCKU-NG system) can more accurately place the nasogastric tube at the optimal position in the stomach compared to conventional blind insertion techniques in adult inpatients requiring nasogastric tube placement. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the NCKU-NG system improve the accuracy of nasogastric tube placement at the optimal gastric position compared to standard blind insertion? * Does the NCKU-NG system reduce the rate of misplacement (such as entry into the airway or inadequate gastric depth), number of repeated attempts, and complication rate compared to the conventional method? * Can estimation of nasogastric tube length using the NCKU-NG system provide a more reliable reference than external measurement or X-ray? Researchers will compare patients randomized to nasogastric tube insertion with the NCKU-NG system (intervention arm) versus conventional blind insertion following standard external measurement methods (control arm) to see if the NCKU-NG system improves placement accuracy and reduces adverse events. Participants will: * Be randomized to one of two groups: * Intervention group: Receive nasogastric tube insertion using the NCKU-NG system (video-assisted real-time visualization, with active confirmation of passage through the esophagogastric junction and final position in the stomach based on sidehole location). * Control group: Receive traditional nasogastric tube blind bedside insertion based on standard measurement (eg. Nose-Earlobe-Xiphoid + 10 cm). * All procedures will use the same material nasogastric tube (16 French polyurethane radiopaque tube). * Undergo confirmation of tube position by X-ray within 8 hours post-insertion for both groups. * Have the following outcomes assessed: * Placement accuracy (percentage of tubes placed at optimal predefined gastric position) * Number of placement attempts and failures * Rate of inadvertent airway or inadequate placement * Incidence of complications (e.g., aspiration, pneumothorax, gastrointestinal tract injury) * Correlation between video-assisted measurement and X-ray estimation of intragastric length

Participants needed: 220
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: May 29, 2025
Eligibility criteria

Adults (aged ≥18 years) [+2]

Patients with a chest wound that prevents palpation of the xiphoid process [+16]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Device-Assisted Oropharyngeal Rehabilitation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of device-assisted oropharyngeal rehabilitation (OPR) in improving upper airway muscle function and reducing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in adult patients diagnosed with OSA who are receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does combining OPR with CPAP increase upper airway space volume compared to using CPAP alone? 2. Does OPR improve tongue muscle strength, and is this improvement associated with reduced CPAP pressure requirements? 3. Do patients receiving OPR (alone or combined with CPAP) show greater improvements in OSA severity and clinical symptoms compared to those receiving CPAP alone or no intervention? Researchers will compare four groups-Control, OPR-only, CPAP-only, and CPAP + OPR-to see if device-assisted OPR enhances treatment outcomes beyond CPAP alone. Participants will: 1. Be randomly assigned to one of four groups (Control, OPR-only, CPAP-only, CPAP+OPR). 2. Perform home-based OPR exercises (30-45 minutes/session, 1-2 sessions/day, 3-5 days/week for 3 months) in the OPR and CPAP+OPR groups. 3. Have their exercise monitored using a strength sensor, with intensity adjusted every 2-4 weeks during hospital visits. 4. Undergo assessments before and after the intervention, including: (1) Polysomnography for OSA severity, (2) CT and ultrasound for upper airway and tongue muscle structure, (3) Tongue muscle strength/endurance tests, (4) Sleep quality questionnaires, (5) CPAP usage and pressure reports.

Participants needed: 200
Trial details
Age: 20-68Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: May 31, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adults aged 20 to 68 years [+1]

Severe allergic rhinitis [+13]

Status: Recruiting

Effectiveness of Povidone-Iodine Versus Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solutions in Reducing Microbial Contamination in Spinal Surgery Wounds During Intraoperative Soaking.

This study aims to assess the efficacy of intraoperative wound irrigation with iodine-containing and chlorhexidine-containing solutions in reducing bacterial colonization during spine surgery, and to determine which solution is more effective. Additionally, we aim to evaluate any side effects associated with the use of these two antiseptic solutions for wound irrigation.

Participants needed: 105
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: May 29, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patients who were diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis need to undergo posterio...

People who are allergic to disinfectants (Providine or CHG) [+2]

Status: Recruiting

Prevention of Post-sphincterotomy Bleeding

Background and Aim: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy (EST) are standard treatments for choledocholithiasis. However, 10% of post-EST bleeding was reported. Currently, there are no effective methods or medications for the prevention of post-EST bleeding. This study aimed to investigate whether the local administration of TXA and sucralfate can reduce the post-EST bleeding event. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial. Patients with choledocholithiasis scheduled for ERCP with EST at National Cheng Kung University Hospital and Siriraj Hospital were enrolled. The study will recruit 120 patients. After randomization, 60 patients will be classified into the intervention group and 60 into the control group. The participants will receive standard ERCP and EST for common bile duct stone removal. If immediate polypectomy bleeding occurs, the investigators will apply standard endoscopic therapy by either local injection of diluted epinephrine or heater probe coagulation. After then, the investigators will spray 2g of sucralfate powder and 1g of tranexamic acid through duodenoscopy precisely on the post-EST wound in the intervention group. All enrolled patients will be monitored for delayed bleeding for 14 days after the ERCP.

Participants needed: 120
Trial details
Age: 18-95Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cheng-Kung University HospitalUpdated: May 25, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patients aged ≥ 18 years who accept ERCP and sphincterotomy for common bile duct...

Paitnets with no schedules for sphincterotomy [+2]