None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to determine whether acupuncture can reduce symptoms of lymphoedema (chronic swelling) in women recovering from breast cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are aged 18 years or more and have had chronic swelling (lymphoedema) on one arm present for at least 6 months following treatment for breast cancer. Trial details Participants in this trial will be randomly (by chance) allocated to one of two groups. Participants in one group will receive 12 acupuncture treatments over a period of 8 weeks in a schedule of twice weekly for four weeks then once weekly for four weeks. Participants in the other group will continue to receive their usual care and will not undergo any acupuncture treatment. Participants will be assessed at regular intervals to determine how lymphoedema is affected by acupuncture over a course of treatment. This study will also determine the feasibility and safety of acupuncture.
Interventions
Acupuncture. Twelve treatments will be administered over 8 weeks. Twice weekly for four weeks and weekly for four weeks.
Treatment wll be administered over 45 minutes.
The acupuncture points used include a selection of three points from Ren 12, 3, 2, LI15, TH4, LU5, LI4. ST36, SP9, SP6, and additional points from the subjects differential diagnosis.
Sponsors
University of Western Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Stable unilateral intransient lymphoedema is present for at least 6 months for women with a history of breast cancer, and: No intensive therapy (ie decongestive therapy) within the past 3 months. No infections in the lymphoedematous limb within the past 3 months requiring antibiotics, and no exacerbation that led to change in daily activities. The BIS inter-limb threshold (determined in a healthy age-matched cohort accounting for limb dominance for at least one 10cm segment (commencing from the ulnar styloid and proceeding up to the axilla) will be exceeded. Are available for two months –(i.e. not planning to travel or move in the next 6 months) and are able to attend an acupuncturist at least 3 times per week.
Exclusion criteria
Women will be excluded if they are currently receiving adjuvant therapy for breast cancer or they have previously received acupuncture for treatment of lymphoedema.
Outcome results
None listed