Acupuncture for joint pain in breast cancer survivors on hormonal therapy
Official title: Researching the Implementation of Acupuncture for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Diverse Underserved Cancer Survivors (ReIMAGINE)
Run by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT06814977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if acupuncture can help reduce joint pain in breast cancer survivors from Black, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds who are on hormonal therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06814977 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English- or Spanish-speaking Black, Asian, or Hispanic women with a history of stage I, II, or III breast cancer experiencing significant joint pain due to hormonal therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active oncological disease or those who have recently undergone chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility of acupuncture as a treatment for joint pain experienced by breast cancer survivors who are undergoing hormonal therapies. It focuses on women of Black, Asian, and Hispanic descent with a history of stage I, II, or III breast cancer, who have been experiencing significant pain attributed to their treatment. Participants will receive acupuncture and complete questionnaires to assess their pain levels and overall well-being. The study aims to determine if acupuncture can effectively alleviate joint pain in this specific patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological option for managing joint pain in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormonal therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in managing pain, but this specific approach for breast cancer survivors on hormonal therapy is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English- or Spanish-speaking adults * Non white or Hispanic women with a prior cancer diagnosis * Stable oncological disease or no evidence oncological of disease per clinical documentation or clinician assessment * Worst pain rated ≥4 on a 0-10 scale in the preceding week * ≥15 days with pain in the past 30 days * Pain lasting ≥1 month * Willing and able to complete questionnaires and other study activities * Willing and able to provide informed consent for the trial Exclusion Criteria: * Completed active treatment (chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, transplantation) \<4 weeks prior to study * Maintenance therapies are allowed * Pain attributed to inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout) * Other non-musculoskeletal pain syndromes (eg, headache, visceral abdominal pain, neuropathic pain) can be present as comorbid conditions if the patient reports musculoskeletal pain as the primary source of pain * Procedures involving affected joints within the last month or planned in the next 14 weeks * Acupuncture use for pain in the past three months * Implanted electronic device (e.g., pacemaker)
Where it's running
-
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All protocol activites)
New York, New York, United States Recruiting -
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Richmond Hill, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kevin Liou, MD — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kevin Liou, MD
- Email: liouk@mskcc.org
- Phone: 646-608-8563
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.