Somatic Acupressure for Symptom Cluster Management in Breast Cancer Survivors

Launched by CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY · May 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a treatment called somatic acupressure to help manage a group of related symptoms—fatigue, trouble sleeping, and depression—in women who have survived breast cancer. The study aims to see how effective, safe, and cost-efficient this treatment is for improving the quality of life of these survivors. Women aged between 65 and 74 who have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms in these areas may be eligible to participate.

If you join this study, you will receive somatic acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, and researchers will monitor how it affects your symptoms and overall well-being. To be eligible, you should have completed chemotherapy at least a month ago and not be undergoing any other treatments during the study. Participants will need to be able to follow the study's instructions and be willing to provide written consent. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and your involvement could contribute to important findings that may help many other breast cancer survivors.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Diagnosed with early-stage female BC without distant metastases (from stage I to IIIa).
• • 2. Have experienced at least moderate FSDSC with a score of ≥4 on an 0-10 point Numeric Rating Scale (0= 'no symptom',10= 'worst symptom') for fatigue, sleep disturbance and depression during the past month.
• • 3. Had completed chemotherapy for at least one month and up to three years (to capture persistent symptoms)
• • 4. Have no scheduled chemotherapy or radiotherapy during the study.
• • 5. Be willing to participate in this study and consent in writing.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Currently using pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., antidepressant medications or hypnotics) to treat symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, or depression.
• • 2. Inability (or difficulty) in following the study procedures and instructions due to being extremely weak and/or cognitively impaired.
• • 3. Received any type of somatic acupressure interventions during the past six months.
• • 4. Currently involved in any other studies.