Using acupuncture and acupressure to reduce joint pain in Black women with early-stage breast cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of in-person acupuncture and virtual acupressure therapy in preventing joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitors in Non-Hispanic Black postmenopausal women diagnosed with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Participants will be randomized into three groups: one receiving in-person acupuncture, another using virtual acupressure, and a control group receiving standard care. The study aims to assess not only the reduction in pain severity but also the adherence to aromatase inhibitor therapy and the overall satisfaction with the interventions. Additionally, focus groups will gather qualitative data on barriers and facilitators to completing the therapies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Self-identified Non-Hispanic Black woman
* Postmenopausal status (\>= 12 months since last menstrual period, history of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone \[FSH\], and luteinizing hormone \[LH\] levels consistent with menopause)
* Diagnosed with stage I-III HR+/HER2 negative (-) breast cancer
* Completed all phases of active therapy (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) at least 14 days before study enrollment
* Planned to start adjuvant AI

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
* Premenopausal status
* History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to acupuncture needles or other agents used in study
* Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy
* A history of or current CDK 4/6 inhibitor use
* A history of neoadjuvant AI use
* Use of adjuvant AI \> 14 days
* Received acupuncture within 60 days prior to start of study

Where it's running

• Grady Health System
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
• Emory University Hospital Midtown
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
• Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
• Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Demetria Smith-Graziani, MD,MPH — Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute
• Study coordinator: Demetria Smith-Graziani, MD, MPH
• Email: demetria.joy.smith-graziani@emory.edu
• Phone: 404-712-4834

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.