This randomized clinical trial studies how well acupuncture works in treating lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. Acupuncture may help treat lymphedema caused by surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Additional locations may be listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for NCT01706081.
See trial information on ClinicalTrials.gov for a list of participating sites.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) as measured by arm circumference after 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To assess differences between treatment groups in bioimpedance scores.
II. To determine the safety of acupuncture treatment for BCRL.
III. To determine whether changes in lymphedema resulting from 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment are sustained over a 3-month follow-up period.
IV. To determine whether time since lymphedema diagnosis affects response to acupuncture.
V. To determine whether stage affects response to acupuncture.
OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.
ARM I (acupuncture): Patients undergo acupuncture therapy over 30 minutes twice weekly for 6 weeks.
ARM II (wait list control): Patients receive no treatment for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, patients cross over to Arm I.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up within 1 week and then at 3 months.
Trial PhaseNo phase specified
Trial Typesupportive care
Lead OrganizationMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Principal InvestigatorTing Bao
