A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Acupuncture Versus Aromatherapy as Trea… (NCT04116697) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Acupuncture Versus Aromatherapy as Treatments to Lessen Nausea, Vomiting and Anxiety Associated With Adriamycin and Cytoxan
United States26 participantsStarted 2019-10-23
Plain-language summary
The overall goal of this study is to explore the effectiveness of using acupuncture versus aromatherapy, in conjunction with standard of care anti-emetics, to decrease chemotherapy induced nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in breast cancer patients undergoing Adriamycin and Cytoxan. This study also aims to determine if aromatherapy and anti-emetics is more effective than acupuncture and anti-emetics in treating nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in patients receiving Adriamycin and Cytoxan and if acupuncture and anti-emetics is more effective than aromatherapy and anti-emetics in treating nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in patients receiving Adriamycin and Cytoxan.
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.
i) Inclusion
* At least 18 years of age on the day of signing informed consent
* Patient has a diagnosis of breast cancer
* Patient is planned to start Adriamycin and Cytoxan chemotherapy
ii) Exclusion
* Patients who are unable to adhere to the protocol or treatment schedule
* Patients who have a concurrent illness or take medication that induces nausea independent of chemotherapy
* Patients undergoing radiotherapy or hormone therapy during chemotherapy treatments
* Patients who have a sensitive and/or poor sense of smell
* Patients who are allergic to essential oils, specifically peppermint, ginger, and/or lavender
* Patients who are already using essential oils or acupuncture for symptom management and are unwilling to stop while participating in this study
* Patients who are afraid of or unwilling to receive acupuncture stimulation
* Patients who are allergic to stainless steel needles
* Thrombocytopenia (Platelets \< 20,000)
* Patients who have received aromatherapy and/or acupuncture treatment within 1 week of starting treatment on this study
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.