Malignant Bowel ObstructionKTMBO-RCTNCT07023042
Kinesio-Taping vs. Usual Care for Malignant Bowel Obstruction With Ascites
A study testing Abdominal Kinesio taping in people with Malignant Bowel Obstruction and Ascites, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether abdominal Kinesio-taping is a feasible and effective way to relieve symptoms in patients with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites who still have severe symptoms after surgery, medication, or nasogastric tube treatment. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Malignant Bowel Obstruction, Ascites, Advanced Cancer
- What is being tested?
- Abdominal Kinesio taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 17 Jun 2025to 23 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 years or older.
- Histologically confirmed intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal malignancy.
- Diagnosis of malignant bowel obstruction with ascites located below the ligament of Treitz.
- Persistent severe symptoms (such as pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting) after surgery, medication, or nasogastric tube treatment.
- Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
- Capable of providing informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Presence of significant abdominal wounds that preclude application of Kinesio tape.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Kinesio tape.
- Pregnancy.
- Lack of decision-making capacity.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Treatment of Kinesio-taping Versus Usual Care for Patients of Malignant Bowel Obstruction and Ascites With Persistent Severe Symptoms After Surgery, Medication and Nasogastric Tube: a Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether abdominal Kinesio-taping is a feasible and effective way to relieve symptoms in patients with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites who still have severe symptoms after surgery, medication, or nasogastric tube treatment.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Can abdominal Kinesio-taping reduce the severity of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea, in these patients?
- Is abdominal Kinesio-taping a safe and practical treatment option for this patient group?
Participants in this study are adults with cancer who have been diagnosed with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, and whose symptoms have not improved after standard medical treatments. People who are allergic to tape, have abdominal wounds, are pregnant, or are unable to provide consent will not be included.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- The Kinesio-taping group will receive standard care for malignant bowel obstruction plus abdominal Kinesio-taping, applied by trained professionals using a standardized procedure.
- The control group will receive standard care only.
The main outcomes measured will be changes in symptom severity using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) modified for ascites, as well as abdominal girth and pain medication use. Symptoms and side effects will be closely monitored to ensure safety.
The information from this study may help determine whether Kinesio-taping can be an additional, safe, and effective option for managing symptoms in patients with advanced cancer who have malignant bowel obstruction and ascites.
Read the detailed description
Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) with ascites is a common and severe complication among patients with advanced intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal malignancies. Standard management of MBO includes surgery, medical therapy (such as antiemetics, corticosteroids, or octreotide), and decompression using nasogastric tubes. However, many patients continue to experience distressing symptoms-such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating-despite aggressive treatment. These symptoms contribute to significant discomfort, reduced quality of life, and poor prognosis in patients with advanced cancer.
Kinesio-taping is an elastic, waterproof adhesive strip designed to mimic the properties of skin and soft tissue. It is widely used in rehabilitation and sports medicine for its potential to reduce pain, improve circulation, and provide mechanical support. The mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors, improved lymphatic drainage, and modulation of muscle activity. While Kinesio-taping has shown benefits in managing lymphedema and musculoskeletal pain, its application in patients with MBO and ascites is not well-studied. Existing evidence is mostly limited to case reports and studies in other patient populations.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether abdominal Kinesio-taping, in addition to standard care, can safely and effectively reduce symptom burden in adult cancer patients with MBO and ascites whose symptoms persist after conventional treatment. The trial is conducted at a single tertiary medical center. Eligible patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (standard care plus Kinesio-taping) or the control group (standard care alone). The Kinesio-taping protocol uses an FDA-approved medical-grade tape (NKH-50R) and follows a standardized application technique. Prior to the first application, all patients in the intervention group undergo a skin sensitivity test. The tape is applied in a circular pattern around the umbilicus, with specific attention to avoiding tumor sites and open wounds, and removed using techniques designed to minimize skin trauma.
All participants continue to receive standard care for MBO, including pain management, fluid and electrolyte support, and palliative interventions as appropriate. Data are collected at baseline and three days after intervention. The primary outcome is change in symptom severity, measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System modified for ascites (ESAS:AM). Secondary outcomes include changes in abdominal girth and dosage of analgesic medications. Safety is monitored through daily assessment for skin reactions or other adverse effects.
This study is designed with rigorous attention to ethical conduct and data privacy. All participant information is de-identified and securely stored, and only authorized research personnel have access. The anticipated sample size is 40 participants, with randomization stratified by baseline symptom severity to ensure balanced allocation. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, including independent t-tests and generalized estimating equations for repeated measures.
If proven effective and safe, Kinesio-taping could offer a non-invasive, low-cost, and easily administered adjunct to standard palliative care for patients with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, potentially empowering both patients and caregivers with a new option for symptom relief.
- Conditions
- Malignant Bowel Obstruction, Ascites, Advanced Cancer
- Being tested
- Abdominal Kinesio taping, Standard Care Arm
- Keywords
- Kinesio taping, Palliative care, Adjuvant therapy, Non-pharmacological intervention, Malignant Bowel Obsruction, Advanced Cancer, dmonton Symptom Assessment System, Symptom management
- Medical subject headings
- Ascites
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Abdominal Kinesio tapingOther
Also called Kinesio taping, KT, Kinesiotaping, Kinesiology taping
Application of medical-grade Kinesio tape (NKH-50R) to the abdomen using a standardized circular technique, in addition to standard care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites. Tape is applied by trained professionals after a skin sensitivity test and changed every three days or as needed. The procedure avoids open wounds and tumor sites. Participants and caregivers are educated on tape care and removal.
Standard Care ArmOther
Standard palliative care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, including symptom management, nutritional support, and medical treatment according to institutional protocols.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio taping Group | Experimental | Participants receive standard care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, plus abdominal Kinesio-taping applied by trained professionals according to a standardized protocol. Receives: Other: Abdominal Kinesio taping |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Participants receive standard care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites without Kinesio taping. Receives: Other: Standard Care Arm |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in symptom severity score using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Ascites Modification (ESAS:AM)
Symptom severity will be measured using the ESAS:AM, which includes 11 items evaluating abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and other symptoms related to malignant bowel obstruction and ascites. Each item is scored on an 11-point numeric rating scale (0-10), and the average score will be used for analysis. The primary outcome is the change in average symptom severity score from baseline to Day 3 after intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 3 days after intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in abdominal girth
Abdominal circumference will be measured in centimeters at the level of the umbilicus using a standard measuring tape. The primary comparison is the change in abdominal girth from baseline to Day 3 after intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 3 days after intervention
Change in analgesic medication use
The total dose of analgesic medications (including morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and corticosteroids) administered to each participant will be recorded. The outcome is the change in total analgesic dose from baseline to Day 3 after intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 3 days after intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2025
- Study start17 Jun 2025
- Primary completion23 Mar 2026
- Study completion23 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Malignant Bowel ObstructionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Taiwan University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a parallel assignment, randomized controlled trial with two arms: an intervention group receiving abdominal Kinesio-taping in addition to standard care, and a control group receiving standard care only. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to one of the two groups. No crossover or sequential treatment is planned. All outcome measures are assessed at baseline and three days after intervention.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07023042
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202502118RINB
- Acronym
- KTMBO-RCT
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 24 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared to protect patient privacy and comply with local regulations
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Treatment of Kinesio-taping Versus Usual Care for Patients of Malignant Bowel Obstruction and Ascites With Persistent Severe Symptoms After Surgery, Medication and Nasogastric Tube: a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07023042
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KTMBO-RCT / 202502118RINB
- Conditions
- Malignant Bowel Obstruction, Ascites, Advanced Cancer
- Keywords
- Kinesio taping, Palliative care, Adjuvant therapy, Non-pharmacological intervention, Malignant Bowel Obsruction, Advanced Cancer, dmonton Symptom Assessment System, Symptom management
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 17 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 23 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether abdominal Kinesio-taping is a feasible and effective way to relieve symptoms in patients with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites who still have severe symptoms after surgery, medication, or nasogastric tube treatment.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Can abdominal Kinesio-taping reduce the severity of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea, in these patients?
- Is abdominal Kinesio-taping a safe and practical treatment option for this patient group?
Participants in this study are adults with cancer who have been diagnosed with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, and whose symptoms have not improved after standard medical treatments. People who are allergic to tape, have abdominal wounds, are pregnant, or are unable to provide consent will not be included.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- The Kinesio-taping group will receive standard care for malignant bowel obstruction plus abdominal Kinesio-taping, applied by trained professionals using a standardized procedure.
- The control group will receive standard care only.
The main outcomes measured will be changes in symptom severity using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) modified for ascites, as well as abdominal girth and pain medication use. Symptoms and side effects will be closely monitored to ensure safety.
The information from this study may help determine whether Kinesio-taping can be an additional, safe, and effective option for managing symptoms in patients with advanced cancer who have malignant bowel obstruction and ascites.
Detailed description
Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) with ascites is a common and severe complication among patients with advanced intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal malignancies. Standard management of MBO includes surgery, medical therapy (such as antiemetics, corticosteroids, or octreotide), and decompression using nasogastric tubes. However, many patients continue to experience distressing symptoms-such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating-despite aggressive treatment. These symptoms contribute to significant discomfort, reduced quality of life, and poor prognosis in patients with advanced cancer.
Kinesio-taping is an elastic, waterproof adhesive strip designed to mimic the properties of skin and soft tissue. It is widely used in rehabilitation and sports medicine for its potential to reduce pain, improve circulation, and provide mechanical support. The mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors, improved lymphatic drainage, and modulation of muscle activity. While Kinesio-taping has shown benefits in managing lymphedema and musculoskeletal pain, its application in patients with MBO and ascites is not well-studied. Existing evidence is mostly limited to case reports and studies in other patient populations.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether abdominal Kinesio-taping, in addition to standard care, can safely and effectively reduce symptom burden in adult cancer patients with MBO and ascites whose symptoms persist after conventional treatment. The trial is conducted at a single tertiary medical center. Eligible patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (standard care plus Kinesio-taping) or the control group (standard care alone). The Kinesio-taping protocol uses an FDA-approved medical-grade tape (NKH-50R) and follows a standardized application technique. Prior to the first application, all patients in the intervention group undergo a skin sensitivity test. The tape is applied in a circular pattern around the umbilicus, with specific attention to avoiding tumor sites and open wounds, and removed using techniques designed to minimize skin trauma.
All participants continue to receive standard care for MBO, including pain management, fluid and electrolyte support, and palliative interventions as appropriate. Data are collected at baseline and three days after intervention. The primary outcome is change in symptom severity, measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System modified for ascites (ESAS:AM). Secondary outcomes include changes in abdominal girth and dosage of analgesic medications. Safety is monitored through daily assessment for skin reactions or other adverse effects.
This study is designed with rigorous attention to ethical conduct and data privacy. All participant information is de-identified and securely stored, and only authorized research personnel have access. The anticipated sample size is 40 participants, with randomization stratified by baseline symptom severity to ensure balanced allocation. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, including independent t-tests and generalized estimating equations for repeated measures.
If proven effective and safe, Kinesio-taping could offer a non-invasive, low-cost, and easily administered adjunct to standard palliative care for patients with malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, potentially empowering both patients and caregivers with a new option for symptom relief.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a parallel assignment, randomized controlled trial with two arms: an intervention group receiving abdominal Kinesio-taping in addition to standard care, and a control group receiving standard care only. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to one of the two groups. No crossover or sequential treatment is planned. All outcome measures are assessed at baseline and three days after intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio taping Group | Experimental | Other: Abdominal Kinesio tapingParticipants receive standard care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, plus abdominal Kinesio-taping applied by trained professionals according to a standardized protocol. |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Other: Standard Care ArmParticipants receive standard care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites without Kinesio taping. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years or older.
- Histologically confirmed intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal malignancy.
- Diagnosis of malignant bowel obstruction with ascites located below the ligament of Treitz.
- Persistent severe symptoms (such as pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting) after surgery, medication, or nasogastric tube treatment.
- Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of significant abdominal wounds that preclude application of Kinesio tape.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Kinesio tape.
- Pregnancy.
- Lack of decision-making capacity.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal Kinesio tapingAlso: Kinesio taping, KT, Kinesiotaping, Kinesiology tapingApplication of medical-grade Kinesio tape (NKH-50R) to the abdomen using a standardized circular technique, in addition to standard care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites. Tape is applied by trained professionals after a skin sensitivity test and changed every three days or as needed. The procedure avoids open wounds and tumor sites. Participants and caregivers are educated on tape care and removal. | Other | Kinesio taping Group |
| Standard Care ArmStandard palliative care for malignant bowel obstruction and ascites, including symptom management, nutritional support, and medical treatment according to institutional protocols. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Change in symptom severity score using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Ascites Modification (ESAS:AM)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 days after intervention
Symptom severity will be measured using the ESAS:AM, which includes 11 items evaluating abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and other symptoms related to malignant bowel obstruction and ascites. Each item is scored on an 11-point numeric rating scale (0-10), and the average score will be used for analysis. The primary outcome is the change in average symptom severity score from baseline to Day 3 after intervention.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in abdominal girth
Time frame: Baseline and 3 days after intervention
Change in analgesic medication use
Time frame: Baseline and 3 days after intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared to protect patient privacy and comply with local regulations
Related trials for Malignant Bowel Obstruction
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Lidocaine Infusions for Pain in Patients With Malignant Bowel Obstruction
Malignant Bowel Obstruction, Cancer Pain
Not yet recruiting
Postbiotics for GI Recovery After Malignant Bowel Obstruction Surgery
Age 18 to 80 Years, Malignant Mechanical Bowel Obstruction Diagnosed Clinically/Radiologically, With Prior Abdominal Surgery for Relief
RecruitingObservational study
The Value of Bowel Sounds in Evaluating Postoperative Intestinal Function Recovery in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Bowel Sounds, Colorectal Cancer
RecruitingObservational study
Resection of the Primary Tumor vs. Systemic Treatment Alone for Patients With Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors and Unresectable Metastases: a Europe-wide Study
Neuroendocrine (NE) Tumors, Metastasis
RecruitingObservational study
Rare Disease Patient Registry & Natural History Study - Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford
Rare Disorders, Undiagnosed Disorders
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Abdominal Kinesio taping in people with Malignant Bowel Obstruction and Ascites, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in symptom severity score using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Ascites Modification (ESAS:AM) (time frame: Baseline and 3 days after intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Jun 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.