Acupuncture for Urinary Issues in Prostate Cancer Survivors
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether acupuncture can reduce nighttime bathroom trips (nocturia) in prostate cancer survivors. Researchers aim to determine if acupuncture can also alleviate related issues such as trouble sleeping, hot flashes, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sexual problems, and memory difficulties. Participants will either receive acupuncture treatments once a week for 10 weeks or join a waitlist group that can opt for acupuncture later. Men previously diagnosed with prostate cancer who experience frequent nighttime bathroom visits (2 or more times every night for the past month) might be suitable for this study. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on understanding how acupuncture works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot start new medications or change the dose of medications for urinary symptoms during the study.
What prior data suggests that acupuncture is safe for prostate cancer survivors with nocturia?
Research has shown that acupuncture is generally safe for treating various health issues. A review of many studies found that acupuncture worked better than no treatment for issues like osteoarthritis pain. These studies included over 2,400 people, indicating that many tolerate acupuncture well.
One study focused on acupuncture for urinary problems and found it to be a safe and effective choice. This suggests acupuncture might help with frequent nighttime urination (nocturia) without causing major side effects.
While this trial specifically targets prostate cancer survivors with nocturia, the safety of acupuncture in other conditions is reassuring. Overall, acupuncture appears to be a safe treatment with few reported side effects.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using acupuncture for urinary issues in prostate cancer survivors because it offers a non-drug, holistic approach that might alleviate symptoms without the side effects often associated with medications like alpha-blockers or anticholinergics. Acupuncture is unique in that it stimulates specific points on the body, potentially improving urinary function by enhancing nerve signaling or reducing inflammation. Additionally, it provides a natural alternative that could be especially appealing to patients seeking complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments.
What evidence suggests that acupuncture might be an effective treatment for nocturia in prostate cancer survivors?
Research shows that acupuncture can help with urinary problems in men who have survived prostate cancer. It reduces urinary incontinence, a common issue after prostate surgery. One study found that combining acupuncture with pelvic floor exercises lessened these symptoms. Acupuncture also relieves pain and improves urinary issues in prostate conditions. In this trial, participants in the acupuncture group will receive 10 treatments over 10 weeks. Although this is the first study to explore acupuncture for nighttime urination in prostate cancer survivors, the results suggest it could be beneficial.14567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kevin Liou, MD
Principal Investigator
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for prostate cancer survivors over 18 with no current evidence of cancer, experiencing frequent nighttime urination (nocturia). They must not have started new urinary medications or changed doses in the last month and can't have untreated sleep disorders, psychiatric conditions, or be at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Acupuncture group will receive 10 treatments of acupuncture over the course of 10 weeks (i.e. one treatment a week) with a +/- 14-day window.
Waitlist Control
The waitlist control group will not receive any acupuncture treatments during the 14-week waiting period. Patients in waitlist control group will have the option to receive up to 10 acupuncture treatments after a 14-week waiting period.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is already approved in United States, European Union, China for the following indications:
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor