An Acupuncture Study for Breast Cancer Survivors With Joint Pain on Hormonal Therapies

Launched by MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER · Feb 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether acupuncture can help breast cancer survivors who are experiencing joint pain as a result of hormonal therapy. The researchers want to find out if this treatment is easy to use and effective for people who have completed their cancer treatment and are currently taking medication that can cause joint discomfort.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be English- or Spanish-speaking women (including transgender men) who have a history of breast cancer stages I, II, or III, and are currently receiving aromatase inhibitors (a type of hormonal therapy) for their cancer. They should have experienced significant joint pain for at least a month and be willing to answer questions and take part in study activities. Participants will receive acupuncture treatments and will be asked to share their experiences and pain levels throughout the study. This trial is currently recruiting participants, so it’s a good opportunity for those who meet the criteria and are seeking relief from their joint pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English- or Spanish-speaking
• • Black, Asian, and/or Hispanic women with a history of stage I, II, or III BC (transgender males are eligible to enroll)
• • No evidence of current BC disease
• • Receiving AI for at least 28 days with plan to continue for another 14 weeks
• • Worst pain rated ≥4 on a 0-10 scale in the preceding week
• • ≥15 days with pain in the past 30 days
• • Pain lasting ≥1 month
• • Pain attributed to AI as reported by the patient
• • Willing and able to complete questionnaires and other study activities
• • Willing and able to provide informed consent for the trial
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • All Stage IV Cancer
• • Active oncological disease
• • Completed chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation \<4 weeks prior to study
• • Pain attributed to inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
• • Procedures involving affected joints within the last month or planned in the next 14 weeks
• • Acupuncture use for pain in the past year
• • Implanted electronic device (e.g., pacemaker)