Distance Reiki for Multiple Myeloma

Overseen By Michelle Burtis

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Disease relapse, Not returning to clinic

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if Distance Reiki, a form of energy healing from afar, can improve quality of life and boost immunity in people with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving actual Distance Reiki, another receiving a fake version called Sham Distance Reiki, and a third group that will not receive any Reiki. It is ideal for those with multiple myeloma who have a stable condition or are on maintenance therapy, can speak English, and have internet access with video capability. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore alternative therapies and contribute to innovative research in improving patient care.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

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

What prior data suggests that Distance Reiki is safe for patients with Multiple Myeloma?

Research has shown that Distance Reiki is generally safe and well-tolerated. In past studies, people who received Distance Reiki reported feeling less stressed and anxious, experiencing less pain, and sleeping better. This suggests that Distance Reiki does not cause harmful effects and might improve overall well-being.

No evidence indicates serious side effects from Distance Reiki. As a noninvasive method, it does not physically enter the body or interfere with other treatments, making it a low-risk option for those considering joining a trial. Overall, existing research supports the safety of Distance Reiki for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Distance Reiki for multiple myeloma because it offers a non-invasive approach that doesn't rely on pharmaceuticals or radiation, differing from traditional treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Unlike conventional therapies that often come with significant side effects, Distance Reiki is a form of energy healing that can be administered remotely, providing a potentially soothing experience without the physical toll. This treatment could be particularly appealing for patients seeking complementary options that enhance overall well-being alongside standard care.

What evidence suggests that Distance Reiki might be an effective treatment for Multiple Myeloma?

Research suggests that Distance Reiki, one of the treatments in this trial, might improve the quality of life for cancer patients. However, studies on patients with multiple myeloma have not demonstrated a significant impact on their health-related quality of life. Some evidence indicates that Distance Reiki can reduce stress and pain for cancer patients, and many find the sessions beneficial. While this therapy shows promise as a gentle healing tool, the data is not strong enough to confirm its effectiveness in boosting immunity or improving quality of life for multiple myeloma patients. Participants in this trial may receive either Distance Reiki or Sham Distance Reiki, which serves as a comparator to evaluate the effects of the actual treatment. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Joselle M. Cook, MBBS

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Martha Lacy, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with Multiple Myeloma who've had a stem cell transplant within the last 6 months. They must speak English and have access to a computer with internet and video conferencing capabilities. Those not returning to Mayo Clinic Rochester or showing disease relapse post-transplant cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I had a stem cell transplant for my multiple myeloma less than 6 months ago.

Computer and internet access with video conferencing availability

Exclusion Criteria

My disease has returned after a transplant.

Patient not returning to Mayo Clinic Rochester for subsequent post-transplant follow up

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either Distance Reiki or Sham Distance Reiki once a week for 4 weeks

4 weeks

4 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Distance Reiki
• Sham Distance Reiki

Trial Overview The study is testing if Distance Reiki therapy can improve quality of life and immunity in patients compared to those receiving Sham (fake) Reiki or no Reiki at all after their stem cell transplant.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Distance Reiki Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects will be scheduled for once a week session of distance Reiki for 4 weeks.

Group II: Standard of Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects will not receive any Reiki treatment

Group III: Sham Reiki Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Subjects will be scheduled for once a week session of Sham distance Reiki for 4 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Patients with multiple myeloma typically have a median survival of about 30 months, but high-dose chemotherapy combined with autologous bone marrow transplantation significantly improves survival compared to conventional treatments.

New treatment strategies, including monoclonal antibodies and better supportive care options like epoetin and bisphosphonates, are emerging to enhance patient outcomes and manage symptoms associated with multiple myeloma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment of multiple myeloma in elderly patients. New developments. Ossenkoppele, GJ.[2018]

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]

A 12-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for 92 patients with multiple myeloma showed no significant change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) despite addressing common symptoms like pain and fatigue.

The study highlights the need for evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines, as many patients reported high symptom burden and functional disabilities that impacted their HRQoL, indicating that current rehabilitation efforts may not be sufficient.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health-related quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma participating in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Nielsen, LK., Larsen, RF., Jarlbaek, L., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 46 participants, both hands-on and distance Reiki treatments significantly reduced symptoms of psychological distress compared to a placebo group, with effects lasting for at least one year after treatment (P < .05).

The study utilized a rigorous experimental design with random assignment and blind conditions, ensuring that the observed benefits in reducing depression and stress were likely due to the Reiki treatments rather than preexisting differences among participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress. Shore, AG.[2010]

Tandem autologous-non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT-NMA SCT) shows comparable outcomes for high-risk multiple myeloma patients to standard-risk patients, with a median progression-free survival of 1166 days versus 1465 days, indicating its potential as an effective treatment option.

However, higher doses of CD3+ cells during the procedure are linked to increased risks of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), higher transplant-related mortality, and poorer overall survival, suggesting careful consideration of CD3+ cell dosing is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse impact of high donor CD3+ cell dose on outcome following tandem auto-NMA allogeneic transplantation for high-risk myeloma. Nair, AP., Walker, P., Kalff, A., et al.[2022]

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]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the malignant growth of B-lymphocytes and is associated with various organ damage due to the production of monoclonal components, leading to complications like renal failure and bone disease.

Current treatments for MM include alkylating agents and glucocorticoids, while bisphosphonates have emerged as an effective option for managing bone disease associated with the condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multiple myeloma. Ascari, E., Merlini, G., Riccardi, A.[2005]

A review of 13 clinical studies on Reiki found that 8 showed it to be more effective than a placebo, suggesting that Reiki may provide benefits beyond just a placebo effect.

Reiki is considered a safe complementary therapy that may help activate the body's healing response, particularly for chronic health conditions and postoperative recovery, although further research is needed to refine its application.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy. McManus, DE.[2019]

A pilot study involving 88 Reiki therapy sessions with nine pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation showed significant pain relief during and after the sessions, indicating Reiki's potential as a complementary therapy.

The study confirms that trained pediatric oncology nurses can effectively incorporate Reiki into their practice, providing a feasible method to help reduce pain and suffering in young cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Power of Reiki: Feasibility and Efficacy of Reducing Pain in Children With Cancer Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Zucchetti, G., Candela, F., Bottigelli, C., et al.[2020]

Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing multiple myeloma, as it must be differentiated from conditions like MGUS and smoldering myeloma, with treatment recommended for advanced cases showing symptoms like anemia or renal failure.

Melphalan is the preferred initial chemotherapy for symptomatic multiple myeloma, while combination therapies may improve response rates but do not extend survival; high-risk patients may benefit from more aggressive treatments to prevent complications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Diagnosis and therapy of multiple myeloma: current aspects]. Betticher, DC., Cerny, T., Fey, MF.[2013]

Citations

1. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.16_suppl.e23199

The effect of distance reiki on patient reported quality of life ... We successfully demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of Reiki among MM pts, although no impact on HRQOL was shown.

2. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/46798?per_page=20&recruiting=1&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0

Determining The Impact Of Distance Reiki On Patient Repor... Current research indicates that Reiki shows promise as a noninvasive healing tool for mind and body, particularly among patients with cancer. However, the data ...

3. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/4c27895e48b1f719/nct04783038-effect-distance-reiki-quality-life-multiple-myeloma

Determining The Impact Of Distance Reiki On Patient ... This research study is being done to determine if Distance Reiki therapy offers a quality of life benefit, and improves immunity compared to patients receiving ...

4. lovereiki.co.uk lovereiki.co.uk/news--thoughts/distance-reiki-is-scientifically-proven

Distance Reiki is scientifically proven Distance Reiki lowers stress and pain for hundreds with cancer, and 91% rated the distant Reiki sessions as helpful by scoring the sessions at a ...

5. cancer.gov cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search/v?id=NCI-2021-13433

Distance Reiki for the Improvement of Quality of Life in ... This clinical trial tests whether distance Reiki offers a quality of life benefit and improves immunity compared to patients receiving sham Reiki therapy or ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10443426/

Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline ... The Reiki program was feasible and was associated with decreased stress, anxiety and pain, and increased wellbeing and sleep quality in frontline healthcare ...

7. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT04783038/determining-the-impact-of-distance-reiki-on-patient-reported-qol-and-immunity-among-multiple-myeloma-patients

Determining The Impact Of Distance Reiki On Patient ... Current research indicates that Reiki shows promise as a noninvasive healing tool for mind and body, particularly among patients with cancer.

8. mayo.edu mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20509071

A Study to Determine the Effect of Distance Reiki on Patient ... This study aims to demonstrate acceptability and feasibility of the use of Distance Reiki therapy versus sham Reiki therapy among multiple myeloma patients.

9. sparkcures.com sparkcures.com/trial/1678/NCT04783038

Multiple Myeloma Support + Trials This research study is being done to determine if Distance Reiki therapy offers a quality of life benefit, and improves immunity compared to patients ...