Using Reiki Therapy to Improve Symptoms Associated With Brachytherapy in Patients With Gynecological Malignancies

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · Jul 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether Reiki therapy can help improve symptoms for women undergoing their first brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers, such as endometrial, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer. Brachytherapy is a type of cancer treatment where radioactive material is placed inside or near the tumor. In this study, women will either receive a session of Reiki therapy—a gentle, hands-on approach aimed at promoting relaxation and healing—or standard care during the waiting period before their treatment begins. Researchers will then compare the experiences of both groups to see if Reiki helps reduce anxiety, pain, and feelings of depression.

To participate, women must be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of one of the eligible cancers. They should be able to receive outpatient brachytherapy and understand the study information in English or Spanish. Participants will complete questionnaires on the day of their treatment and again three months later to help the researchers understand the effects of the therapy. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to provide valuable insights into supportive care options for women facing these challenging treatments.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subject aged ≥ 18 years.
• • Pathologically confirmed malignancy of the endometrium, cervix, vagina or vulva.
• • Eligible to undergo brachytherapy treatment as an outpatient procedure.
• • Able to read and understand English and/or Spanish.
• • Able to provide informed consent and willing to sign an approved consent form that conforms to federal and institutional guidelines.
• • Willing to participate in either the Reiki therapy or standard of care arm regardless of treatment assignment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Prior brachytherapy treatment for a gynecological malignancy.
• • Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that may compromise the subject's ability to understand the subject information, give informed consent, comply with the study protocol or complete the study.