Contact:Katie Sullivan
Phone:(434)243-7231
E-mail:kls8d@virginia.edu
UVa Health System, Department of Radiation Oncology seeks non-pregnant women, age 18 or older, with breast cancer who are being treated with daily irradiation without chemotherapy for a clinical trial.
Fatigue is a common symptom found in breast cancer patients during radiotherapy treatment. Fatigue, appetite and sleep loss have been shown to cluster in cancer patients. These symptoms can result in a decreased ability to physically perform routine activities and can make daily life exhausting. The purpose of this study is to determine what effect, if any, the use of Reflective Exercise (RE) or acupuncture may have on these symptoms.
Reflective Exercise (RE) is a westernized form of Qigong (CHEE-GONG), which is a Chinese routine consisting of specialized breathing, slow movement, and sensory meditation. Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into specific points on the body with the aim of relieving pain and for therapeutic purposes.
The researchers doing this study will use information they get from this study to help them measure what may cause people to feel tired, lose their appetite or have sleep problems during radiation treatment.
In this study participants will be randomized to receive either 8 sessions of Reflective Exercise, 8 sessions of acupuncture, or to a control group. Participants will also be asked to:
" Complete 5 questionnaires (this will take about an hour). These forms will ask you a variety of questions about how you feel, how tired you are, your appetite, your mood, and your memory.
" Have blood (1-2 tablespoons) collected (only at baseline and then 6 and 18 weeks after the start of radiation therapy)
" Have a wrist watch-like device (called an actigraphy) placed on your wrist. You will need to wear this device for 5 consecutive days (24 hours a day). It will record your levels of rest and activity.
Compensation for study completion is $100.00.
Contact Information:
For more information please contact:
" Katie L. Sullivan, MSW, CCRC
" 434-243-7231, kls8d@virginia.edu
" Insert IRB-HSR # 13958
Principal Investigator: Paul Read, MD
|
|
Primary Investigator: Rich Tyvin, A