Using Reiki therapy to help cancer patients manage symptoms
Reiki Therapy to Improve Key Symptoms in Integrative Oncology Clinic (REIKI)
This study tests whether Reiki therapy can help cancer patients feel better by reducing symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety compared to regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT06354049 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the effects of Reiki therapy on patients receiving care at an integrative oncology clinic. Reiki, a biofield therapy from Japan, involves a practitioner placing their hands on or above the patient to promote relaxation and healing. The study aims to assess whether Reiki can improve cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and anxiety compared to standard care. Previous studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating benefits in relaxation and quality of life for cancer patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-89 with a confirmed cancer diagnosis experiencing significant symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive or visual impairments, active psychosis, or those currently undergoing certain cancer treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide cancer patients with a non-invasive method to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have shown positive effects of Reiki in cancer care, results have been mixed, indicating that this approach is still being explored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 89. * Neoplasm diagnosis (i.e., ICD-10 C00 - D49) confirmed in electronic health record (EHR)/Caisis * Receiving care at a UH Connor Whole Health Integrative Oncology Clinic. * Reporting at least three ESAS symptoms ≥4/10 at baseline screening including fatigue and ≥2 other symptoms on the 9-item questionnaire. * Able to speak and understand English. * Has an email address, and access to a computer with internet and/or a mobile device with a functioning data plan Exclusion Criteria: * Significant cognitive impairment that has not been corrected. * Significant visual impairment that has not been corrected. * Unable to provide informed consent. * Active psychosis. * Pregnancy. * Metastatic disease. * Reiki therapy within 3 months of study enrollment * Active immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment, or completed within 3 months before study start. Aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen are exceptions.
Where this trial is running
Cleveland, Ohio
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Santosh Rao, MD — University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Santosh Rao, MD
- Email: Santosh.Rao@UHhospitals.org
- Phone: 858-945-2446
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.