Acupuncture for Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

This study aims to strengthen the care of persons with Multiple Myeloma by improving quality of life (QOL) and ability to perform daily activities through reduced Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms. CIPN debilitates and erodes QOL by preventing individuals from pursuing their...

This study aims to strengthen the care of persons with Multiple Myeloma by improving quality of life (QOL) and ability to perform daily activities through reduced Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms. CIPN debilitates and erodes QOL by preventing individuals from pursuing their normal activities of daily living. The features of CIPN, including physical, social/family, emotional, functional, and specific CIPN symptoms, will be measured with the validated FACT-GOG-NTX. This project brings necessary attention and scientific inquiry to supportive cancer care, which is sometimes de-prioritized behind disease treatment. The potential for nonpharmacologic acupuncture to reduce CIPN and other symptoms with minimal side effects has beneficial implications for disease treatment. Patients with controlled symptoms are better able to tolerate life-prolonging treatment and avoid chemotherapy dose reductions which result from neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy. Subjects who consent and are determined to be eligible will be randomized to receive either acupuncture treatment or standard of care treatment for their CIPN. Subjects' socio-demographics, medical history, opioid and concomitant medication intake information will be collected. Subjects who are randomized to the acupuncture treatment arm will receive 12 sessions of acupuncture over approximately 10 weeks. Subjects randomized to standard of care will continue with standard of care therapy per their physician for treatment of their CIPN. All subjects will complete questionnaires at Baseline, mid-point, and endpoint. Responses to questionnaires will then be analyzed towards answering the study's objectives.

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