Acupuncture For Pancreatic Cancer Pain

Completed · Phase 3

Conditions studied: Pancreatic Neoplasms, Pain

In brief

Pain is a common problem in patients with pancreatic cancer. Some patients suffer from pain despite medication. We, the researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, are conducting a Phase III study to determine the effects of acupuncture on pain in patients with pancreatic cancer. The purpose of a Phase III study is to determine whether or not a treatment is helpful. This study will include about 60 patients. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin to treat symptoms. In recent years, researchers have found evidence that acupuncture is useful in treating a variety of conditions, including headache, nausea, and pain.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00136669

Run by

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

People needed

60

Starts

2003-09-01

Expected to finish

2005-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2006-09-08

Who can join

Age: any. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
• First baseline current pain score of 3 or above on a 0 - 10 numerical rating scale.
• In the opinion of the treating physician or a medically qualified investigator, the patient's pain syndrome is the result of underlying cancer.
• Patient OR caregiver must be willing and able to apply pressure to each point using small circular movements with the fingers twice per day.

You may not qualify if…

• Primary cause of pain is procedural (e.g. postoperative pain).
• Acupuncture treatment in the past six weeks. Patients should not receive acupuncture during the one week period of the study.
• Neutropenia defined as absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <1000/microliter.
• Cardiac conditions constituting high or moderate risk of endocarditis as defined by the American Heart Association criteria.
• Patient contraindicated for phlebotomy, as phlebotomy needles are much larger than acupuncture needles.

Where it is running

• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center — New York, New York, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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