Condition · Evidence Hub
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Cancer Support
Does vagus nerve stimulation help with cancer support? 5 human studies have investigated VNS for cancer support, including 1 RCT, 3 controlled trials, and 1 narrative review, published between 2019 and 2025, with 2 published since 2022. Studies use transcutaneous auricular (taVNS) and implanted (iVNS) stimulation. Findings vary by study design and population; the studies below are ranked by evidence strength so you can weigh the research directly.
1 RCT · 3 controlled trials · 1 narrative review
Evidence by Tier
strongest → weakest
- 1Randomised controlled trials
- 3Controlled clinical trials
- 1Narrative & scoping reviews
Stimulation Method
- 3taVNS
- 2iVNS
Research Momentum
2 of 5 studies (40%) published since 2022 — an actively growing evidence base.
The studies
5 studies · strongest evidence firstVagus Nerve Stimulation for Tumor-Related Epilepsy: Does It Make Sense?
Lam et al. · The Permanente journal · 2021
controlled trialstaVNSHydrogel-based electrodes for selective cervical vagus nerve stimulation
Horn et al. · Journal of neural engineering · 2021
controlled trialsiVNSVagus nerve stimulation dampens intestinal inflammation in a murine model of experimental food allergy
Bosmans et al. · Allergy · 2019
controlled trialstaVNSPutative role of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation in cancer pathology and immunotherapy: Can this be a hidden treasure, especially for the elderly?
Abdullahi et al. · Cancer medicine · 2023
narrative reviewsiVNS