CompletedNot Applicable

Massage Therapy in Treating the Symptoms of Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cancer

United States39 participantsStarted 2004-12-01

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Massage therapy may help relieve symptoms associated with cancer. It is not yet known which type of massage therapy is more effective in treating the symptoms of patients with cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial is studying different types of massage therapy to compare how well they work in treating the symptoms of patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 120 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria: * Solid cancer with evidence of metastases * Receiving treatment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) * Must reside ≤ 25 miles from BIDMC Exclusion criteria: * Patient to sick to be interviewed * Absence of severe symptoms * Participating in another trial * Language barrier * MD does not provide permission * Expired prior to consent process

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain

Timeframe: From baseline to 1 week and from baseline to one month

Anxiety

Timeframe: From baseline to 1 week and from baseline to 1 month

Alertness

Timeframe: From baseline to 1 week and from baseline to 1 month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00253708

SponsorBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2013-01-01

Results submitted2017-03-30

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