Effects of Acupuncture on Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Joint Pain

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Breast Cancer

In brief

Researchers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Providence Saint John's Health Center (PSJHC) are trying to examine whether acupuncture reduces joint pain in patients being treated with aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer and whether the reduction in pain happens by lowering inflammation.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02548637

Run by

Saint John's Cancer Institute

People needed

20

Starts

2015-06-01

Expected to finish

2017-06-01

Last updated by the study team

2017-07-14

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Female
• Must be on aromatase inhibitor therapy continuously for breast cancer treatment for at least the preceding two months
• Must have experienced increased or new onset joint pain daily to a degree equal to or greater than 4 on a pain scale of 0-10 after starting aromatase inhibitor therapy
• Able to read and write English
• Able to give written informed consent to participate in the study

You may not qualify if…

• Have a known autoimmune disease or acute infection
• Have had acupuncture treatment within 6 months of study enrollment
• Known needle phobia
• Known metal allergies
• Have an implantable device, such as pacemaker, defibrillator or other device contraindicated with electrical stimulation
• Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or narcotics within 7 days of study enrollment and during study period (15 weeks)
• Receipt of prior chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy within 90 days
• On anticoagulant therapy
• Receiving physical or occupational therapy concurrently
• Taking herbs or herbal teas within 7 days of study enrollment and during study period (15 weeks)
• Have an immune-compromising medical condition or currently receiving immune-modulating therapies (including corticosteroids)
• Enrolled in any other active cancer treatment protocols
• Bone fracture or surgery of an affected extremity within 6 months

Where it is running

• John Wayne Cancer Institute — Santa Monica, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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