← Back to Search

Acupuncture vs Massage for Cancer Pain

Phase 2

Waitlist Available

Led By Jun J Mao, MD, MSCE

Research Sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Ambulatory with Karnofsky functional score of ≥ 60

Musculoskeletal pain, including regional or generalized pain, with or without neuropathic component, lasting at least 1 month and with a pain rating of 4 or greater in worst pain on a 0-10 numerical rating scale in the preceding week

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 26 weeks from randomization

Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial will compare the long-term effectiveness of acupuncture vs massage for people with advanced cancer.

Who is the study for?

The IMPACT trial is for adults over 18 with advanced cancer and a life expectancy of more than six months. Participants must be able to move around, have had musculoskeletal pain rated at least 4 out of 10 for the past month, and not just have non-musculoskeletal pain. They should also agree to random treatment assignment and commit to a 26-week study period.Check my eligibility

What is being tested?

This study compares acupuncture with massage in managing pain for people with advanced cancer. It aims to see which method better helps reduce pain, improves related symptoms, and enhances quality of life over the long term.See study design

What are the potential side effects?

Acupuncture may cause minor bruising or bleeding at needle sites, rare infections, or slight discomfort. Massage might lead to temporary soreness or swelling but generally has minimal side effects.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I can care for myself but may need occasional help.

Select...

I have had muscle or joint pain, with or without nerve pain, for at least a month, rating 4 or more in severity.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 26 weeks from randomization

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~26 weeks from randomization

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 26 weeks from randomization for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary outcome measures

Worst Pain

Side effects data

From 2013 Phase 1 & 2 trial • 104 Patients • NCT01305811

Serious unexpected

Pain on needling

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

Study treatment Arm

Bi-Weekly Acupuncture

Wait List

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: AcupunctureExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will receive up to 10 treatments in the first 10 weeks (+/- 4 days) and then receive monthly booster treatments (+/- 7 days) for up to 26 weeks.

Group II: MassageActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will receive up to 10 treatments in the first 10 weeks (+/- 4 days) and then receive monthly booster treatments (+/- 7 days) for up to 26 weeks.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Acupuncture

2011

Completed Phase 3

~1240

0 / 2Eligibility criteria met

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterLead Sponsor

1,933 Previous Clinical Trials

585,320 Total Patients Enrolled

2 Trials studying Cancer Pain

136 Patients Enrolled for Cancer Pain

Jun J Mao, MD, MSCEPrincipal InvestigatorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

1 Previous Clinical Trials

120 Total Patients Enrolled

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Are there any still unfilled positions for participants in this research?

"The clinicaltrials.gov website indicates that this study is not presently looking for patients, as the last update was on September 7th, 2022. However, there are 37 other trials recruiting patients at this time."

Answered by AI

Do patients usually report any adverse effects from Acupuncture?

"While there is some evidence that acupuncture is safe, it remains unproven whether or not the practice is effective. As such, our team rates acupuncture's safety at a 2."

Answered by AI

At how many research facilities is this trial being conducted?

"There are 8 sites conducting this study at the moment, with more Basking Ridge, Miami and Montvale. Additionally, there are 8 other locations across various cities. If you want to limit travel as much as possible, try and select a location nearest to you."

Answered by AI

Recent research and studies

clinicaltrials.govStudy

Integrative Medicine for Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer Trial (IMPACT)

2019. "Integrative Medicine for Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer Trial (IMPACT)". ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04095234.

All > Acupuncture