Reiki Therapy for Gynecological Cancer
(Reiki-Brachy Trial)
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 2
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Utah
Disqualifiers: Prior brachytherapy, Cognitive conditions, others
No Placebo Group
Prior Safety Data
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this open label, randomized, controlled clinical trial is to assess the benefits of providing Reiki therapy to subjects receiving their first brachytherapy treatment for gynecological malignancies. Participants will either receive a session of Reiki therapy or usual care during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and brachytherapy treatment. Questionnaires will be administered at various time points on the day of the participant's first brachytherapy treatment as well as at the three month follow-up time point. Researchers will compare the intervention (Reiki therapy) and control (usual care) groups to assess the impact of the Reiki therapy on anxiety, pain, state anxiety, depression, and physiological measurements.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Reiki Therapy for gynecological cancer?
Research shows that Reiki therapy, an energy-based treatment, can improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and decrease anxiety and pain in cancer patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy. These benefits have been observed in studies involving breast cancer patients and other cancer types, suggesting potential positive effects for gynecological cancer patients as well.12345
Is Reiki therapy safe for humans?
How is Reiki therapy different from other treatments for gynecological cancer?
Reiki therapy is unique because it is a form of energy healing that involves a practitioner placing their hands lightly on or near the patient's body to promote relaxation and healing, unlike conventional treatments like radiation or surgery that directly target the cancer cells. This non-invasive approach focuses on improving the patient's overall well-being and quality of life rather than directly treating the cancer itself.910111213
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 with certain gynecological cancers (endometrium, cervix, vagina, or vulva) who are about to receive their first brachytherapy as an outpatient. Participants must understand English/Spanish and be willing to sign consent forms. Those with prior brachytherapy or conditions affecting study compliance cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
My cancer originates from the endometrium, cervix, vagina, or vulva.
Able to read and understand English and/or Spanish
I am 18 years old or older.
See 3 more
Exclusion Criteria
Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that may compromise the subject's ability to understand the subject information, give informed consent, comply with the study protocol or complete the study
I have had brachytherapy for a gynecological cancer.
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants receive either Reiki therapy or usual care during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and brachytherapy treatment
1 day
1 visit (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, pain, and depression using various scales, with assessments at the three-month follow-up time point
3 months
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Reiki Therapy (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe study tests if Reiki therapy can improve the well-being of patients during the wait time between device placement and brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers. It compares outcomes like anxiety and pain in those receiving Reiki versus usual care before and three months after treatment.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Reiki TherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants randomized to Arm 1 will receive a session of Reiki therapy during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and their first brachytherapy treatment.
Group II: Standard of CareActive Control1 Intervention
Participants randomized to the standard of care control arm will be asked to remain in a clinic room during the standard waiting period between the placement of the brachytherapy device and the start of brachytherapy treatment. Participants may participate in any activity other than Reiki therapy during this time. Participants may be accompanied by a family member or friend.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Huntsman Cancer InstituteSalt Lake City, UT
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of UtahLead Sponsor
References
Effect of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life and Fatigue Levels of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. [2021]The quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy decreases, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms. Reiki is used for cancer patients as an energy-based complementary and alternative method.
The effects of Reiki therapy and companionship on quality of life, mood, and symptom distress during chemotherapy. [2014]This pilot study examined the effects of Reiki therapy and companionship on improvements in quality of life, mood, and symptom distress during chemotherapy. Thirty-six breast cancer patients received usual care, Reiki, or a companion during chemotherapy. First, data were collected from patients receiving usual care. Second, patients were randomized to either receive Reiki or a companion during chemotherapy. Questionnaires assessing quality of life, mood, symptom distress, and Reiki acceptability were completed at baseline and chemotherapy sessions 1, 2, and 4. Reiki was rated relaxing with no side effects. Reiki and companion groups reported improvements in quality of life and mood that were greater than those seen in the usual care group. Interventions during chemotherapy, such as Reiki or companionship, are feasible, acceptable, and may reduce side effects.
An exploratory study of reiki experiences in women who have cancer. [2017]To explore the perceptions and experiences of reiki for women who have cancer and identify outcome measures for an intervention study.
The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attending a day oncology and infusion services unit. [2012]Reiki is a system of natural healing techniques administered by laying of hands and transferring energy from the Reiki practitioner to the recipient. We investigated the role of Reiki in the management of anxiety, pain and global wellness in cancer patients. Building on the results of a pilot project conducted between 2003 and 2005 by a volunteer association at our hospital, a wider, 3-year study was conducted at the same center. The volunteer Reiki practitioners received 2 years of theory and practical training. The study population was 118 patients (67 women and 51 men; mean age, 55 years) with cancer at any stage and receiving any kind of chemotherapy. Before each session, the nurses collected the patient's personal data and clinical history. Pain and anxiety were evaluated according to a numeric rating scale by the Reiki practitioners. Each session lasted about 30 min; pain and anxiety scores were recorded using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), together with a description of the physical feelings the patients perceived during the session. All 118 patients received at least 1 Reiki treatment (total number, 238). In the subgroup of 22 patients who underwent the full cycle of 4 treatments, the mean VAS anxiety score decreased from 6.77 to 2.28 (P
Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. [2015]Fatigue is an extremely common side effect experienced during cancer treatment and recovery. Limited research has investigated strategies stemming from complementary and alternative medicine to reduce cancer-related fatigue. This research examined the effects of Reiki, a type of energy touch therapy, on fatigue, pain, anxiety, and overall quality of life. This study was a counterbalanced crossover trial of 2 conditions: (1) in the Reiki condition, participants received Reiki for 5 consecutive daily sessions, followed by a 1-week washout monitoring period of no treatments, then 2 additional Reiki sessions, and finally 2 weeks of no treatments, and (2) in the rest condition, participants rested for approximately 1 hour each day for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 1-week washout monitoring period of no scheduled resting and an additional week of no treatments. In both conditions, participants completed questionnaires investigating cancer-related fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Fatigue subscale [FACT-F]) and overall quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, General Version [FACT-G]) before and after all Reiki or resting sessions. They also completed a visual analog scale (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]) assessing daily tiredness, pain, and anxiety before and after each session of Reiki or rest. Sixteen patients (13 women) participated in the trial: 8 were randomized to each order of conditions (Reiki then rest; rest then Reiki). They were screened for fatigue on the ESAS tiredness item, and those scoring greater than 3 on the 0 to 10 scale were eligible for the study. They were diagnosed with a variety of cancers, most commonly colorectal (62.5%) cancer, and had a median age of 59 years. Fatigue on the FACT-F decreased within the Reiki condition (P=.05) over the course of all 7 treatments. In addition, participants in the Reiki condition experienced significant improvements in quality of life (FACT-G) compared to those in the resting condition (P
Effect of Reiki on symptom management in oncology. [2019]Reiki is a form of energy therapy in which the therapist, with or without light touch, is believed to access universal energy sources that can strengthen the body's ability to heal itself, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain and stress. There is currently no licensing for Reiki nor, given its apparent low risk, is there likely to be. Reiki appears to be generally safe, and serious adverse effects have not been reported. So in this article provides coverage of how to use Reiki in oncology services.
Effects of Distant Reiki On Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue in Oncology Patients in Turkey: A Pilot Study. [2019]Fatigue, stress and pain are common symptoms among cancer patients, affecting the quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of distant Reiki on pain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients.
Benefits of Reiki therapy for a severely neutropenic patient with associated influences on a true random number generator. [2021]Reiki therapy is documented for relief of pain and stress. Energetic healing has been documented to alter biologic markers of illness such as hematocrit. True random number generators are reported to be affected by energy healers and spiritually oriented conscious awareness.
Single-fraction palliative pelvic radiation therapy in gynecologic oncology: 1,000 rads. [2019]The management of the patient with advanced gynecologic malignancies presents multiple problems for the gynecologic and radiation oncologists involved in their care. When palliative management only is indicated, conventional treatment protocols occupy a significant portion of the patient's remaining life span, often times with associated morbidity. Single-fraction external radiation therapy, consisting of 1,000 rads to the whole pelvis, was used in 30 patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies to palliate locally advanced pelvic disease. Alleviation of symptoms and maintenance of a reasonable quality of life were obtained in all patients. No untoward acute side effects were observed. Thirteen patients are alive from 2 to 19 months after treatment, with a mean overall survival after treatment of 8.4 months. It is concluded that this regimen should be considered as the palliative therapy of choice for certain patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies.
Step by step Indiana pouch construction in a previously irradiated patient with a cervical cancer relapse. [2023]Radiation therapy and radical pelvic surgery, either radical cystectomy or pelvic exenteration, is the golden standard treatment for infiltrating bladder carcinoma, as well as advanced or recurrent cervical, vulvar, vaginal and endometrial cancer. However, due to the poor radiation sensitivity of the cervix and vagina, a high-radiation dose is required, leading to early and/or late onset urogenital complications in approximately 50% of the patients.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy in gynecologic malignancies: current status and future directions. [2016]Radiation therapy is used as either definitive or adjuvant therapy following surgery in many gynecologic malignancies. Though effective, radiation therapy is limited by the adverse sequelae that result from normal tissues receiving external-beam radiation. A novel approach, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, can overcome these limitations by sparing the tissue surrounding the malignancy through conforming the dose to the shape of the target in three dimensions. This review provides an overview of current use, published research, and ongoing studies of intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
Outcomes after definitive re-irradiation with 3D brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy for vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer. [2020]Limited outcome data exists on salvage re-irradiation for vaginal relapse of previously-irradiated endometrial cancer. We report our 10-year experience with management of vaginal recurrence using definitive intent re-irradiation brachytherapy with or without EBRT.
Nursing care update: internal radiation therapy. [2007]Internal radiation therapy has been used in treating gynecological cancers for over 100 years. A variety of radioactive sources are currently used alone and in combination with other cancer treatments. Nurses need to be able to provide safe, comprehensive care to patients receiving internal radiation therapy while using precautions to keep the risks of exposure to a minimum. This article discusses current trends and issues related to such treatment for gynecological cancers.