Using Traditional Acupuncture in the Management of Cancer Treatment Related Lymphoedema (NCT00828516) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Using Traditional Acupuncture in the Management of Cancer Treatment Related Lymphoedema
United Kingdom56 participantsStarted 2008-04
Plain-language summary
RATIONALE: Acupuncture and moxibustion may improve well-being and quality of life in patients with lymphedema caused by breast cancer or head, neck, and throat cancer.
PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying how well acupuncture given together with moxibustion works in improving well-being and quality of life in patients with breast cancer or head, neck, and throat cancer who are undergoing standard treatment for lymphedema.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* male or female patients with either breast or head and neck cancer
* diagnosis of mild to moderate uncomplicated lymphoedema
* age 18 or over
* under the care of the lymphoedema service for at leas:
* two months (head and neck cancer patients)
* three months (breast cancer patients)
* no active cancer disease
* at least 3 months since prior active cancer treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, intravenous treatment)
* more than 6 months since prior acupuncture treatment
* concurrent adjuvant hormonal therapy allowed
* concurrent anti-depressant medication allowed provided there has been no change in prescription or dosing within the past 3 months and patient intends to remain on the medication for the duration of study treatment and follow-up
* Able to understand and communicate in English
* Able to travel to the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre for treatment
* Able to attend treatment once weekly for at least 7 consecutive weeks
* Able to complete outcome measures
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
* bilateral breast cancer
* advanced cancer disease
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
1
Change From Baseline in Patient-specified and Reported Symptoms on the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP)
Timeframe: Before 7th acupuncture treatment
2
Change From Baseline in Patient-specified and Reported Symptoms on the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile