Aromatherapy for Breast and Prostate Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial studies the feasibility of simulating forest therapy using humidified wood or fragrant oils, in improving immune cells, like natural killer cells, number and activity, and their downstream proteins, perforin and granulysin in patients with stage I-III breast or prostate cancer who completed chemo- and/or radiation therapy. The knowledge gained from this study may help cancer patients who have compromised immune systems and who also cannot participate in outdoor activities like exercise or forest walks.

Research Team

Amy M. Ross, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who were diagnosed with stage I-III hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast or prostate cancer within the last year. They must understand and consent to the study, have measurable disease, and no history of autoimmune diseases. Smokers or those with recent infections, surgeries, asthma, allergies to citrus peel or pine forests are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

My solid tumor can be measured by my doctor.

Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I have not had a fever or infection in the last two weeks.

You cannot have asthma because forest oils might make your asthma worse.

I had surgery or an invasive procedure within the last two months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Simulated Forest Immersion Therapy (SFIT)

Participants engage in simulated forest immersion therapy using humidified wood and fragrance oils over 1 hour on day 1, day 3 or 4, and day 7. Blood samples are collected at baseline, day 3 or 4, and day 7. Interviews are conducted at baseline and post-treatment.

1 week

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, focusing on immune system measures such as NK cell number and activity, and perforin and granulysin levels.

1-2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Aromatherapy with Essential Oils
• Aromatherapy with Essential Oils and Virtual Reality

Trial Overview The study tests if aromatherapy using humidified forest oils can boost immune cells in patients who've completed chemo/radiation therapy for early-stage breast or prostate cancer. It aims to simulate forest therapy indoors for those unable to engage in outdoor activities.

Participant Groups

Group I: Supportive care (SFIT, biospecimen, interview) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients participate in SFIT, using humidified wood and fragrance oils, over 1 hour. on day 1, day 3 or 4 and on day 7. Patients also undergo blood sample collection at baseline and on days 3 or 4 and 7 and participate in interviews at baseline and post-treatment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

239

Recruited

2,089,000+

Oregon Health and Science University

Collaborator

Trials

1,024

Recruited

7,420,000+