Acupuncture for psychic and neural symptoms in breast cancer survivors
Official title: Effects, Metabolic Mechanisms and Predictors of Response to Acupuncture in Treating Psychoneurological Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11445909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether acupuncture helps improve joint pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in breast cancer survivors who are on endocrine therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $677,197 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA311596-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Breast cancer survivors currently receiving endocrine therapy who report psychoneurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without significant PNS or who do not want acupuncture may see little or no benefit.
What this research studies
Breast cancer survivors on endocrine therapy often experience a cluster of symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and sleep difficulties that hurt quality of life and medication adherence. The project will explore how acupuncture affects these symptoms and why responses vary between people. It builds on a small prior study that suggested potential biological pathways, including changes in certain metabolites and redox balance, that could mediate benefit. The researchers plan to run a three-arm Phase III trial comparing 10 acupuncture sessions in 6 weeks to sham acupuncture and usual care. By studying metabolic changes and clinical outcomes, the study aims to identify who is most likely to benefit and how acupuncture works in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could offer a non-drug option to relieve PNS in breast cancer survivors and improve adherence to endocrine therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data showed metabolic changes and symptom improvements associated with acupuncture, suggesting a plausible mechanism and potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hongjin — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Li, Hongjin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.