Boston,
Massachusetts
02115
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture in
treating women's health conditions.
Study summary:
This trial comprises three studies. In the first two studies, women will be randomly
assigned to receive either real or sham acupuncture therapy. Study 1 will include women with
various forms of cancer. White blood cell counts will be used to assess the effects of
acupuncture on participants' immune responses. Study 2 will include women with unspecified
pelvic pain and endometriosis; a self-report pain scale will be used to assess the effects
of acupuncture on participants' symptoms. Study 3 will evaluate the validity and reliability
of diagnoses made by Chinese medicine practitioners. In this study, a group of Chinese
medicine practitioners will diagnose the same group of patients; consistency of the
diagnoses will be evaluated.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria for Study 1:
- Newly diagnosed ovarian cancer; primary peritoneal cancer; papillary serous cancer of
the endometrium; or mixed mesodermal tumor of the uterus, ovary, or fallopian tube
- Currently undergoing chemotherapy
- Meet certain laboratory test requirements
Inclusion Criteria for Study 2:
Currently closed to recruitment
- Diagnosed with endometriosis or unspecified pelvic pain
Exclusion Criteria for Studies 1 and 2:
- Use of white blood cell boosters
- Prior radiotherapy with the exception of whole-breast irradiation for breast cancer
- Prior myelotoxic chemotherapy
- History of symptomatic cardiac or psychiatric disorder
- Use of a pacemaker
- Use of herbs or herbal supplements
- Prior use of acupuncture
- Enrollment in other research studies