20 Participants Needed

Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery for Peripheral Neuropathy

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JK
Overseen ByJian Kong
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help individuals experiencing nerve pain or tingling from chemotherapy. The treatment, Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT), uses video-guided imagery to simulate acupuncture, aiming to determine if imagining the treatment can alleviate symptoms. It targets those who have had breast cancer, completed specific chemotherapy, and are experiencing these nerve issues. Individuals dealing with this discomfort for more than two weeks and meeting the other criteria might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment options for nerve pain relief.

What prior data suggests that this video-guided acupuncture imagery treatment is safe for peripheral neuropathy?

Research has shown that acupuncture is generally considered safe. Some studies suggest it helps with long-term lower back pain. Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT) is a newer method that builds on the safety of traditional acupuncture. VGAIT involves watching a video of acupuncture, eliminating the use of actual needles. This approach avoids risks like infection or pain from needles. So far, no reports of serious side effects from VGAIT have emerged, suggesting it is likely well-tolerated by participants.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT) for peripheral neuropathy because it combines acupuncture with visualization techniques in a novel way. Unlike traditional treatments such as medications and physical therapy, VGAIT uses video-guided imagery to enhance the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. This innovative approach aims to provide a non-invasive, drug-free option that could potentially reduce pain and improve nerve function more effectively. By incorporating visual cues, VGAIT may also enhance patient engagement and adherence, offering a unique advantage over existing therapies.

What evidence suggests that Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment might be effective for peripheral neuropathy?

Research suggests that Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT), which participants in this trial will receive, might help with nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This treatment involves watching a video of acupuncture to help participants imagine the procedure. Studies have shown that similar mental imagery techniques can reduce pain and other symptoms by engaging the mind. For instance, virtual reality and mental imagery have improved balance and movement in other types of nerve damage. Although specific data for CIPN remains limited, early results in related conditions are encouraging.12467

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with stage I-III breast cancer who finished taxane-based chemotherapy and have had symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain or tingling in hands and feet) for more than two weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am at least 18 years old.
My breast cancer is confirmed at stage I-III.
I have finished chemotherapy that included a drug from the taxane group.
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 16 sessions of Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT) over 8 weeks remotely through Zoom

8 weeks
16 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT)

Trial Overview

The study is testing VGAIT, a non-invasive therapy that uses video-guided imagery to mimic acupuncture, as a potential treatment for nerve issues caused by chemotherapy.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: VGAITExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,066
Recruited
13,430,000+

Citations

VGAIT for Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

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Search - Brain and Nerves

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Acupuncture and integrative oncology for taxane

The single- modality group demonstrated greater improvement for foot numbness/ tingling, and the multimodality group demonstrated improvement ...