Acutherapy to Prevent Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgias in Non-Hispanic Black Postmenopausal Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer (NCT06534125)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This clinical trial evaluates if in-person acupuncture or virtual acupressure therapy prevents aromatase inhibitor-associated joint pain in Non-Hispanic Black postmenopausal women with stage I-III (early-stage) hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are medications that prevent the formation of the hormone estrogen. They are used in the treatment of postmenopausal women who have hormone-dependent breast cancer. AI therapy prolongs life among patients with early-stage HR+ breast cancer. Many postmenopausal women stop AI therapy early due to debilitating joint pain (arthralgias). Non-Hispanic Black women are more likely to experience side effects and stop their hormonal therapy compared to Non-Hispanic white women. Acupuncture therapy involves inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain. Acupressure therapy uses the application of pressure or localized massage to specific sites on the body to control symptoms such as pain. Acupuncture and acupressure are types of complementary and alternative medicine. Undergoing in-person acupuncture or participating in virtual acupressure may prevent AI-associated arthralgias (AIAA) in Non-Hispanic Black postmenopausal women with early-stage HR+ breast cancer.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (6 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (9 items).
Location: Grady Health System — Atlanta, Georgia
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- 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
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (4 Sites)
- Grady Health System — Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory University Hospital Midtown — Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute — Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.