Using aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and pain during bone marrow biopsies

Aromatherapy Oil Associated Changes on Anxiety and Pain During Bone Marrow Biopsy Procedures

Not applicable Interventional City of Hope Medical Center · NCT06581211

This study tests if using different aromatherapy oils can help cancer patients feel less anxious and in less pain during bone marrow biopsies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCity of Hope Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Duarte, California)
Trial IDNCT06581211 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of aromatherapy oils in reducing pain and anxiety for cancer patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy procedures. Patients are randomized into three groups, receiving either lavender oil, linalool oil, or jojoba oil aromatherapy before and during the procedure. The study aims to assess patient satisfaction and the feasibility of incorporating aromatherapy into clinical practice, while also comparing the effects of the different oils on anxiety and pain levels. The findings may provide insights into non-pharmacological approaches to managing discomfort in cancer care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult cancer patients experiencing significant anxiety about their bone marrow biopsy procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to the aromatherapy oils or uncontrolled respiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a safe and effective alternative to medications for managing anxiety and pain during biopsy procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for the use of aromatherapy in managing anxiety and pain, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must have the ability to understand and sign a written informed consent document, and be willing to follow protocol requirements
* Ability to read and understand English for patient reported outcomes
* Age \>= 18 years
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 1
* Willingness to comply with all study interventions of essential oil aromatherapy
* Anxiety \> 3 on a 0-10 visual analog scale regarding the bone marrow biopsy/aspirate procedure
* The study is open to all participants regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to lavender oil, linalool oil, jojoba oil
* Previous enrollment in this study
* Uncontrolled respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
* Mental incapacitation (ex. stroke, brain metastasis etc.) that would cause inability to follow directions, in the opinion of the investigators
* Ongoing uncontrolled active psychiatric condition that would interfere in the conduct of the study (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis disorders, or substance use), as determined by the patient's primary cancer team.

  * If a patient has a history of a psychiatric disorder, we will contact their primary cancer team to determine if their condition is controlled or uncontrolled, and if it will interfere with the study
* Recent changes in the past 2 weeks to medications prescribed for pain or anxiety
* Abnormal smelling abilities due to sinus infections, long COVID, etc.

Where this trial is running

Duarte, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System NeoplasmMalignant Solid Neoplasm
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.