Reiki Therapy for Gynecological Cancer

(Reiki-Brachy Trial)

Overseen By David Samuel

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: University of Utah

Disqualifiers: Prior brachytherapy, Cognitive conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 day

68 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether Reiki therapy (also known as Energy Healing or Universal Life Force Energy Therapy) can reduce anxiety, pain, and depression in individuals undergoing their first brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers such as endometrial, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer. Participants will either receive a Reiki session or continue with usual care during their treatment wait time. Suitable candidates for this trial include those diagnosed with one of these cancers and eligible for outpatient brachytherapy. The trial aims to determine if Reiki can enhance comfort and improve emotional and physical well-being during treatment. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on assessing the effectiveness of Reiki therapy in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to potentially beneficial treatment advancements.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that Reiki therapy is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that Reiki therapy is generally safe for cancer patients. In one study, cancer patients who received Reiki experienced no serious side effects. Another study found that patients reported improved symptoms when they received Reiki during their treatments. These results suggest that Reiki is well-tolerated and poses no major safety risks.

Although more research is needed, many patients choose to use Reiki alongside their standard treatments to help with symptoms like pain and anxiety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this possible treatment for gynecological cancer?

Researchers are excited about Reiki therapy for gynecological cancer because it offers a non-invasive approach to complement existing treatments. Unlike traditional methods like chemotherapy or radiation, Reiki focuses on energy healing, which may help reduce stress and improve patients' overall well-being during their cancer journey. With no drugs involved, Reiki therapy could minimize the side effects typically associated with conventional cancer treatments. This unique approach has the potential to enhance the quality of life for patients by providing a sense of relaxation and emotional support.

What evidence suggests that Reiki therapy might be an effective treatment for gynecological cancer?

Research has shown that Reiki therapy can improve quality of life, reduce tiredness, and lower anxiety and pain in cancer patients. A detailed review found that Reiki therapy decreased pain for patients with breast and gynecological cancers. In this trial, participants in the Reiki Therapy arm will receive a Reiki session during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and their first brachytherapy treatment. Patients who received Reiki during cancer treatments reported feeling better and expressed satisfaction with their care. Overall, Reiki therapy has shown promise in easing the pain and discomfort linked to cancer treatments. These findings suggest that Reiki could be helpful for those undergoing brachytherapy for gynecological cancers. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lindsay M. Burt

Principal Investigator

Huntsman Cancer Institute/ University of Utah

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with certain gynecological cancers (endometrium, cervix, vagina, or vulva) who are about to receive their first brachytherapy as an outpatient. Participants must understand English/Spanish and be willing to sign consent forms. Those with prior brachytherapy or conditions affecting study compliance cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

My cancer originates from the endometrium, cervix, vagina, or vulva.

Able to read and understand English and/or Spanish

I am open to being assigned to either Reiki therapy or standard treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that may compromise the subject's ability to understand the subject information, give informed consent, comply with the study protocol or complete the study

I have had brachytherapy for a gynecological cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either Reiki therapy or usual care during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and brachytherapy treatment

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, pain, and depression using various scales, with assessments at the three-month follow-up time point

3 months

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Reiki Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests if Reiki therapy can improve the well-being of patients during the wait time between device placement and brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers. It compares outcomes like anxiety and pain in those receiving Reiki versus usual care before and three months after treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Reiki Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to Arm 1 will receive a session of Reiki therapy during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and their first brachytherapy treatment.

Group II: Standard of Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the standard of care control arm will be asked to remain in a clinic room during the standard waiting period between the placement of the brachytherapy device and the start of brachytherapy treatment. Participants may participate in any activity other than Reiki therapy during this time. Participants may be accompanied by a family member or friend.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,169

Recruited

1,623,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced technique that allows for more precise targeting of tumors in gynecologic cancers, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

This review highlights the effectiveness of IMRT as both a primary treatment and a follow-up to surgery, showcasing its potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing adverse side effects associated with traditional radiation therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy in gynecologic malignancies: current status and future directions. Kochanski, JD., Mell, LK., Roeske, JC., et al.[2016]

Reiki is considered a safe form of energy therapy that may help enhance the body's natural healing abilities, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain and stress, with no serious adverse effects reported.

The article discusses the application of Reiki in oncology services, suggesting its potential role in supporting cancer patients during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Reiki on symptom management in oncology. Demir, M., Can, G., Celek, E.[2019]

Reiki therapy was associated with significant improvements in the patient's absolute neutrophil count (ANC) during treatment for hepatitis C, allowing him to tolerate high-dose interferon therapy without interruptions due to neutropenia.

The study suggests a potential link between Reiki therapy and changes in biologic markers, as indicated by the correlation with a true random number generator (RNG), which may provide a novel method for assessing the effects of energetic healing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of Reiki therapy for a severely neutropenic patient with associated influences on a true random number generator. Morse, ML., Beem, LW.[2021]

A qualitative study involving 10 women who received reiki after cancer treatment revealed that participants experienced emotional release, pain relief, and improved overall well-being, including better sleep and reduced depression.

The findings suggest that reiki may serve as a beneficial complementary therapy for enhancing the quality of life in women with cancer, despite participants initially having limited understanding of the practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An exploratory study of reiki experiences in women who have cancer. Kirshbaum, MN., Stead, M., Bartys, S.[2017]

In a 3-year study involving 118 cancer patients, Reiki therapy significantly reduced anxiety scores from 6.77 to 2.28 in those who completed four treatment sessions, indicating its potential efficacy in managing anxiety.

Patients reported improvements in overall well-being, relaxation, pain relief, and sleep quality, suggesting that Reiki therapy could be a beneficial complementary treatment in hospital settings for addressing both physical and emotional needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attending a day oncology and infusion services unit. Birocco, N., Guillame, C., Storto, S., et al.[2012]

Single-fraction external radiation therapy (1,000 rads to the whole pelvis) was administered to 30 patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies, successfully alleviating symptoms and maintaining a good quality of life without any significant acute side effects.

The treatment resulted in a mean overall survival of 8.4 months, with 13 patients surviving between 2 to 19 months post-treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a preferred palliative therapy for these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Single-fraction palliative pelvic radiation therapy in gynecologic oncology: 1,000 rads. Chafe, W., Fowler, WC., Currie, JL., et al.[2019]

The Indiana pouch technique for urinary diversion after pelvic surgery shows promise as a successful method for creating a continent urinary reservoir, with lower complication rates reported in various studies.

This case report highlights the use of the Indiana pouch in a 64-year-old woman after radical surgery for vaginal cuff squamous cell carcinoma, emphasizing the need for long-term observation to fully assess its efficacy and safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Step by step Indiana pouch construction in a previously irradiated patient with a cervical cancer relapse. Llueca, A., Maazouzi, Y., Ponce, P., et al.[2023]

In a study of 22 patients with vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer, re-irradiation using brachytherapy, with or without external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), demonstrated a 3-year overall survival rate of 68.1%, indicating its efficacy as a salvage treatment.

The treatment was found to be safe, with no severe (grade 3 or higher) radiation-related toxicities reported, provided that the cumulative radiation dose to surrounding organs was kept below specified limits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcomes after definitive re-irradiation with 3D brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy for vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer. Ling, DC., Vargo, JA., Glaser, SM., et al.[2020]

In a study involving oncology patients, those who received five sessions of distant Reiki therapy experienced significantly lower levels of pain, anxiety, and fatigue compared to a control group that only received standard medical care.

The control group reported higher pain, stress, and fatigue levels, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating Reiki as a complementary therapy in cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Distant Reiki On Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue in Oncology Patients in Turkey: A Pilot Study. Demir, M., Can, G., Kelam, A., et al.[2019]

In a pilot study involving 36 breast cancer patients, both Reiki therapy and companionship during chemotherapy were found to improve quality of life and mood compared to usual care.

Reiki therapy was well-received, rated as relaxing, and showed no side effects, suggesting it is a safe and feasible complementary intervention during chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of Reiki therapy and companionship on quality of life, mood, and symptom distress during chemotherapy. Orsak, G., Stevens, AM., Brufsky, A., et al.[2014]

Internal radiation therapy has been a treatment option for gynecological cancers for over a century, utilizing various radioactive sources either alone or in combination with other therapies.

Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring safe and comprehensive care for patients undergoing internal radiation therapy, emphasizing the importance of minimizing exposure risks during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nursing care update: internal radiation therapy. Lowdermilk, DL.[2007]

In a study involving 16 cancer patients, Reiki therapy significantly reduced fatigue and improved overall quality of life compared to a resting condition, with notable decreases in tiredness, pain, and anxiety after multiple sessions.

Participants receiving Reiki experienced measurable benefits, with fatigue levels decreasing over the course of 7 treatments, suggesting that Reiki could be a valuable complementary therapy for managing cancer-related fatigue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. Tsang, KL., Carlson, LE., Olson, K.[2015]

In a study involving 70 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who received 6 sessions of Reiki therapy experienced significant improvements in quality of life and reductions in fatigue compared to a control group.

The results showed that Reiki therapy led to increased well-being scores and decreased fatigue levels, with statistically significant differences (P < .001), suggesting it can be an effective complementary treatment for enhancing the quality of life in these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life and Fatigue Levels of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. Karaman, S., Tan, M.[2021]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39613272/

Evaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two ... Conclusions: Outpatients receiving Reiki during infusion reported clinically significant improvements in all symptoms, high levels of ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-2-endometrial-neoplasms-8-2023-a52b0

Reiki Therapy for Gynecological Cancer (Reiki-Brachy Trial) Research shows that Reiki therapy, an energy-based treatment, can improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and decrease anxiety and pain in cancer patients, ...

3. digitalcommons.pcom.edu digitalcommons.pcom.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=pa_systematic_reviews

Does Reiki Therapy Decrease Pain During Chemotherapy ... This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of Reiki therapy reducing pain in breast and/or gynecological cancer patients undergoing ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11951753/

Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: a meta-analysis ... Quality of life showed significant improvement in cancer patients, chronic disease patients, and healthy individuals with a frequency of ≥ 8 ...

5. usnews.com usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-12-13/reiki-may-help-ease-the-pain-of-cancer-treatment

Reiki May Help Ease the Pain of Cancer Treatment "Outpatients receiving reiki during infusion reported clinically significant improvements in all symptoms, high levels of satisfaction and a ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749208111000994

Energy Therapies in Oncology Nursing There is growing evidence that energy therapies have a positive effect on symptoms associated with cancer. While there is need for further research, ...