Cancer-related depression (CRD) is a common psychological condition among cancer patients during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, and is associated with reduced quality of life, impaired immune function, and poorer clinical outcomes. As cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise in China, the psychological burden on patients is receiving increasing attention. Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown potential in treating various types of depression and related somatic symptoms, but evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and long-term effects in CRD remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of EA for CRD, with the goal of providing evidence to support effective and optimized treatment strategies.
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Inclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of depression attributed to cancer itself or cancer-related treatments, meeting the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder（DSM-V). 2. Age between 18 and 75 years, regardless of sex. 3. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) total score \>17 at baseline. 4. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of ≤2. 5. No previous exposure to acupuncture treatment. 6. Ability to understand the study procedures and willingness to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Planned to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or other active cancer-related treatments during the study period. 2. History of major depressive episodes prior to cancer diagnosis. 3. Pain Rating Index (PRI) score ≥4 due to cancer-related pain. 4. Estimated life expectancy of 12 months or less. 5. Presence of severe ulcers, abscesses, or active skin infections at or near the acupuncture sites. 6. Clinically significant dysfunction of major organs, including severe cardiac, cerebral, hepatic, renal impairment; decompensated pulmonary disease; or other serious systemic illnesses. 7. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. 8. Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days. 9. Patients with a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical devices.