Acupuncture for Joint Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Pamela Drullinsky, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Must be taking: Hormonal therapies

Disqualifiers: Stage IV cancer, Active oncological disease, Inflammatory arthritis, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 10 weeks

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether acupuncture can help breast cancer survivors manage joint pain. Participants will either receive 10 weekly acupuncture treatments or continue with their usual care, which includes standard pain medications. Women who have had cancer, experience significant joint pain, and haven't used acupuncture for pain in the past three months might be a good fit. The goal is to determine if acupuncture is a feasible treatment option for reducing their pain.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to explore a potentially beneficial alternative therapy for managing joint pain.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require that participants continue taking their hormonal therapy (AI) for the duration of the study.

What prior data suggests that acupuncture is safe for joint pain in breast cancer survivors?

Studies have shown that acupuncture is a safe treatment for breast cancer survivors with joint pain. Research indicates that patients generally tolerate acupuncture well, with few side effects reported. One review of multiple studies found it both safe and effective for managing joint pain in breast cancer patients. Another study emphasized its safety for cancer patients overall. In summary, the evidence supports acupuncture as a low-risk option for those experiencing joint pain after breast cancer treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about acupuncture for joint pain in breast cancer survivors because it offers a drug-free alternative to traditional pain management. Unlike standard options like pain medications, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, which may help reduce pain by stimulating natural pain-relief processes in the body. This approach could potentially minimize the side effects associated with long-term medication use, providing a gentler and more holistic method of pain relief.

What evidence suggests that acupuncture is effective for joint pain in breast cancer survivors?

Research has shown that acupuncture, which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce joint pain in breast cancer survivors. A review of studies has found that acupuncture is safe and effective for those experiencing joint pain from aromatase inhibitors, a common breast cancer treatment. One study found that women experienced less pain after 12 weeks of acupuncture, with benefits lasting up to a year. Evidence also suggests that acupuncture can reduce the need for pain medication while still providing effective pain relief compared to usual care, another treatment option in this trial. Overall, acupuncture is a promising option with few side effects for managing joint pain in this group. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

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 breast cancer survivors who are experiencing joint pain while on hormonal therapies. Specific eligibility details aren't provided, but typically participants must meet certain health standards and not have conditions that would interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I currently have no signs of breast cancer.

My worst pain last week was 4 or more on a scale of 0 to 10.

I experience pain due to my aromatase inhibitor medication.

Exclusion Criteria

I finished my cancer treatment less than 4 weeks ago.

I haven't had or planned any procedures on my joints recently.

I have used acupuncture to treat pain before.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 10 weekly acupuncture treatments

10 weeks

10 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Acupuncture

Trial Overview The study is testing whether acupuncture can be a feasible treatment option to alleviate joint pain in breast cancer survivors who are taking hormonal therapies.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Acupuncture Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 10 weekly acupuncture treatments over 10 weeks.

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive standard medical care, including pain medications and other treatments

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A randomized controlled trial involving 30 breast cancer survivors showed that acupuncture significantly reduced fatigue after 2 weeks and improved well-being after 6 weeks compared to sham and waitlist controls.

Participants reported positive experiences with acupuncture, highlighting improvements in sleep, mood, and relaxation, suggesting that acupuncture could be a beneficial intervention for managing fatigue in breast cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of acupuncture on post-cancer fatigue and well-being for women recovering from breast cancer: a pilot randomised controlled trial. Smith, C., Carmady, B., Thornton, C., et al.[2022]

In a study of 48 women recovering from breast cancer surgery, both acupuncture combined with kinesiotherapy and kinesiotherapy alone significantly improved pain, upper limb function, and range of motion after 10 treatment sessions.

While both treatment groups showed improvements, there were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups, indicating that kinesiotherapy alone may be as effective as adding acupuncture for rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of acupuncture in rehabilitation of physical and functional disorders of women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Giron, PS., Haddad, CA., Lopes de Almeida Rizzi, SK., et al.[2018]

A study involving 25 breast cancer survivors identified six key factors influencing their decision to participate in acupuncture clinical trials, including symptom appraisal, practical barriers, and beliefs about the treatment.

Both African-American and Caucasian participants considered similar factors, but they differed in their preferred information sources and concerns about placebo use, highlighting the need for tailored recruitment strategies in clinical trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Breast cancer survivors willingness to participate in an acupuncture clinical trial: a qualitative study. Schapira, MM., Mackenzie, ER., Lam, R., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 165 breast cancer survivors, electro-acupuncture (EA) significantly reduced pain severity more than battlefield auricular acupuncture (BFAA) at both 12 and 24 weeks, indicating EA may be a more effective treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Both EA and BFAA improved physical and mental health scores compared to usual care, suggesting that while EA is superior for pain relief, both methods are beneficial for overall well-being in breast cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Electro-acupuncture versus battle field auricular acupuncture in breast cancer survivors with chronic musculoskeletal pain: subgroup analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Bao, T., Zhi, WI., Baser, RE., et al.[2023]

A study of 593 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors identified that the main barriers to acupuncture use were lack of knowledge (41.6%), concerns about insurance coverage (25.0%), and cost (22.3%).

Minority patients and those with lower education levels reported significantly higher perceived barriers to acupuncture, suggesting that addressing these issues could improve access to this potentially beneficial treatment for diverse breast cancer survivor populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Barriers to Acupuncture Use Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Bao, T., Li, Q., DeRito, JL., et al.[2019]

Acupuncture significantly reduced joint pain and improved functional ability in postmenopausal women undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer, with pain scores decreasing from 5.3 to 3.3 after treatment.

The study involved 21 women and showed no adverse events, indicating that acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated option for alleviating AI-induced arthralgias.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot study of acupuncture for the treatment of joint symptoms related to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Crew, KD., Capodice, JL., Greenlee, H., et al.[2022]

This pilot study involving 8 Korean breast cancer survivors demonstrated that acupuncture is feasible for treating various treatment-related symptoms, with only six minor adverse events reported during 78 sessions.

Preliminary results indicated that participants experienced improvements in their symptoms, suggesting potential benefits of acupuncture for breast cancer survivors, although low recruitment rates highlight the need for further research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acupuncture for symptoms management in Korean breast cancer survivors: a prospective pilot study. Kim, TH., Kang, JW.[2020]

Acupuncture may help reduce functional stiffness in breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy, based on a review of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 810 participants.

While acupuncture showed moderate effects on stiffness, it did not significantly alleviate other common side effects of hormone therapy, such as hot flashes and fatigue, indicating that its benefits may be limited to specific symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical Benefits of Acupuncture for the Reduction of Hormone Therapy-Related Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Pan, Y., Yang, K., Shi, X., et al.[2019]

In a survey of 424 breast cancer patients experiencing joint pain, 16% reported using acupuncture since their diagnosis, indicating a notable interest in alternative pain management options.

Patients with higher levels of pain catastrophising, particularly those who ruminate or magnify their pain experiences, were more likely to seek acupuncture treatment, suggesting that psychological factors may influence the use of this therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A cross-sectional survey of pain catastrophising and acupuncture use among breast cancer survivors. Lee, I., Garland, SN., DeMichele, A., et al.[2019]

Acupuncture significantly improves the management of side effects from drug therapies in breast cancer patients, based on a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 1189 participants.

The study found no serious adverse events associated with acupuncture, indicating it is a safe complementary treatment that also enhances the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Side Effects Management in Drug Therapy-Receiving Breast Cancer Patients. Chan, YT., Wang, N., Tam, CW., et al.[2022]

A pilot study involving 32 postmenopausal women with early breast cancer showed that acupuncture is feasible and safe for treating joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors, with no serious adverse events reported.

While the study did not find significant differences in pain and stiffness outcomes, there were positive trends favoring real electroacupuncture in improving stiffness and physical function at 12 weeks, suggesting potential benefits that warrant further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acupuncture for treatment of arthralgia secondary to aromatase inhibitor therapy in women with early breast cancer: pilot study. Oh, B., Kimble, B., Costa, DS., et al.[2013]

In a study of 592 breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors, 27% preferred acupuncture for pain management, while 26% preferred medication, indicating a balanced interest in both options.

Factors such as higher education, race, and positive health beliefs about acupuncture significantly influenced preferences, suggesting that understanding patient attitudes can enhance pain management strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acupuncture versus medication for pain management: a cross-sectional study of breast cancer survivors. Bao, T., Li, SQ., Dearing, JL., et al.[2019]

Acupuncture is highlighted as an important integrative therapy for managing chronic pain in cancer survivors, as recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology's recent guidelines.

The review focuses on randomized clinical trials showing acupuncture's effectiveness in treating specific pain conditions related to cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and post-surgical pain, indicating its potential role in improving quality of life for cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oncology Acupuncture for Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors: A Reflection on the American Society of Clinical Oncology Chronic Pain Guideline. Lu, W., Rosenthal, DS.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7883140/

Acupuncture for Arthralgia Induced by Aromatase Inhibitors in ... This meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for breast cancer patients with AIA.

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798317

Comparison of Acupuncture vs Sham ... In this randomized clinical trial, women with AI-related joint pain receiving 12 weeks of TA had reduced pain at 52 weeks compared with controls.

3. bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03626-2

Real-world impact of acupuncture on analgesics and ... This study evaluated the real-world impact of acupuncture on analgesics and healthcare resource utilization among breast cancer survivors.

4. cuimc.columbia.edu cuimc.columbia.edu/news/acupuncture-reduces-joint-pain-breast-cancer-treatment

Acupuncture Reduces Joint Pain From Breast Cancer ... Acupuncture was associated with a statistically significant drop in joint pain among women taking aromatase inhibitors, a type of breast cancer treatment.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422024000209

How does pretreatment expectancy influence pain ... Evidence shows that acupuncture delivers clinically meaningful and durable pain reductions with minimal side effects when compared with usual care or analgesics ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00826397

Acupuncture for Aromatase Inhibitor Induced Joint Pain The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of acupuncture as a complementary therapy to pain medication for joint pain associated with ...

7. cancer.gov cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2018/acupuncture-aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain

Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Treatment–Related Joint Pain “Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative approach for managing aromatase inhibitor–induced joint pain. The primary limitations of this ...

8. acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.34165

Safety of acupuncture in oncology: A systematic review and ... According to this analysis, acupuncture is a safe therapy for the treatment of patients with cancer. Acupuncture seems to be safe compared with ...