TerminatedNot Applicable

Acupressure for Pain and Opioid Use Among Breast Cancer Patients

Stopped: Difficulty recruiting and retaining participants

United States8 participantsStarted 2018-09-17

Plain-language summary

This study seeks to determine the feasibility of recruiting and training participants in self-acupressure, for women undergoing primary breast cancer surgery or delayed reconstruction surgery. The study seeks to determine also if self-acupressure is effective in reducing the need for opioids post-surgery and the effects on other life factors.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

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

. Diagnosis of breast cancer stage 0 to III;
. Planned unilateral or bilateral mastectomy or planned delayed breast reconstruction surgery within 24 months following unilateral or bilateral mastectomy;
. For delayed breast reconstruction patients only: apparently cancer free at time of delayed reconstruction;
. No planned new interventions for pain the two weeks prior to surgery;
. Able to self-administer treatment at the specified points.

Exclusion criteria

. Medically unstable (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.);

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

Feasibility of recruitment for self-acupressure: Measure screening to on-study ratio of participants

Timeframe: 14 days

Feasibility of training, as measured by number of participants who complete the daily self-reported logbook

Timeframe: 28 days

Feasibility of training for self-acupressure: Measure the fidelity (accuracy) of participants using training application via instrument administered by study team

Timeframe: 1 day

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03655600

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-10-17

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Breast Cancer trials