Using massage to help reduce fatigue in prostate cancer survivors

Massage for Prostate Cancer-Related Fatigue

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10290445

This study is looking at how Swedish Massage Therapy might help reduce tiredness and improve quality of life for men who have survived prostate cancer, and you'll either get the massage, a gentle touch treatment, or wait for six weeks to see how it works.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10290445 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of Swedish Massage Therapy (SMT) on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in prostate cancer survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either SMT, a light touch treatment, or be placed on a waitlist for six weeks. The study aims to assess improvements in fatigue levels and overall quality of life after treatment. Follow-up evaluations will occur at six and twelve weeks post-treatment to determine the lasting effects of the massage therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are prostate cancer survivors experiencing persistent fatigue after their treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not prostate cancer survivors or those without significant fatigue may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors suffering from fatigue.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that massage therapy can lead to significant improvements in fatigue and quality of life for cancer survivors, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.