RecruitingACTRN12612000607875

Acupuncture to reduce symptoms of lymphoedema in women recovering from breast cancer

Can acupuncture compared with usual care reduce symptoms of lymphoedema in women recovering from breast cancer: a feasibility study


Sponsor

University of Western Sydney

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jul 14, 2012

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Summary

This study aims to determine whether acupuncture can reduce symptoms of lymphoedema (chronic swelling) in women recovering from breast cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are aged 18 years or more and have had chronic swelling (lymphoedema) on one arm present for at least 6 months following treatment for breast cancer. Trial details Participants in this trial will be randomly (by chance) allocated to one of two groups. Participants in one group will receive 12 acupuncture treatments over a period of 8 weeks in a schedule of twice weekly for four weeks then once weekly for four weeks. Participants in the other group will continue to receive their usual care and will not undergo any acupuncture treatment. Participants will be assessed at regular intervals to determine how lymphoedema is affected by acupuncture over a course of treatment. This study will also determine the feasibility and safety of acupuncture.


Eligibility

Sex: FemalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is looking at whether acupuncture can reduce the swelling and discomfort of lymphoedema (chronic arm swelling) in women who have been treated for breast cancer. Lymphoedema can develop after breast cancer surgery or radiation and can be a long-term, uncomfortable condition. Participants will receive either 12 acupuncture sessions over 8 weeks or continue their usual care, and researchers will measure changes in swelling and quality of life. You may be eligible if: - You are a woman aged 18 or older - You have a history of breast cancer treatment - You have stable lymphoedema in one arm that has been present for at least 6 months - You have not had intensive therapy (decongestive therapy) in the past 3 months - You have not had an infection in the affected arm in the past 3 months - You are available and able to attend the clinic at least 3 times per week for 2 months You may NOT be eligible if: - You are currently receiving active treatment for breast cancer - You have previously had acupuncture for lymphoedema Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Acupuncture. Twelve treatments will be administered over 8 weeks. Twice weekly for four weeks and weekly for four weeks. Treatment wll be administered over 45 minutes. The acupuncture points used

Acupuncture. Twelve treatments will be administered over 8 weeks. Twice weekly for four weeks and weekly for four weeks. Treatment wll be administered over 45 minutes. The acupuncture points used include a selection of three points from Ren 12, 3, 2, LI15, TH4, LU5, LI4. ST36, SP9, SP6, and additional points from the subjects differential diagnosis.


Locations(1)

NSW, Australia

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ACTRN12612000607875