Using acupuncture to manage pain in sickle cell disease
Official title: Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10683217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how acupuncture can help people with sickle cell disease manage their chronic pain without using medication, and it aims to find out why some people respond better to this treatment than others, so we can create better pain relief options for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $240,872 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AT010012-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10683217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture as a non-drug therapy for managing chronic pain in patients with sickle cell disease. It aims to understand how specific inflammatory biomarkers affect the pain relief provided by acupuncture and to identify the mechanisms behind varying responses to this treatment. By studying both animal models and human patients, the research seeks to establish a systematic approach to enhance pain management strategies for those who do not respond well to traditional therapies. The findings could lead to more personalized and effective pain relief options for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for patients with sickle cell disease, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in pain management, but this research aims to provide more definitive evidence and understanding of its mechanisms in sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Ying — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Wang, Ying
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Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
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-
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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.