NCT06395441 · Mayo Clinic
Wisconsin Ginseng for Decreasing Cancer Related Fatigue
What this study is about
This phase III trial compares the effect of Wisconsin ginseng (panax quinquefolius) to placebo in patients with cancer that suffer from significant fatigue. Fatigue is among the most challenging symptoms to manage in patients with cancer, both on or off active treatment.
View original scientific description
This phase III trial compares the effect of Wisconsin ginseng (panax quinquefolius) to placebo in patients with cancer that suffer from significant fatigue. Fatigue is among the most challenging symptoms to manage in patients with cancer, both on or off active treatment. This symptom complex meaningfully contributes to psychosocial distress, healthcare costs, and it also interferes with the delivery of anticancer therapies.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
American Ginseng
Given PO
DRUG
Placebo Administration
Given PO
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Change in fatigue
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Will be measured by the Linear Analog Scale for Fatigue, a single-item questionnaire rating fatigue over the pats week on a scale of 0-10 where 0=no fatigue at all and 10=fatigue as bad as it can be.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years
- History of cancer-related fatigue as defined by an average score ≥ 4 over the past 30 days on the numeric analogue scale. Patients can answer questions orally rather than completing worksheet
- Baseline control of insomnia: Insomnia ≤ 4 on Linear Analogue Scale. Patients can answer questions orally rather than completing worksheet
- Baseline control of pain: Pain ≤ 4 on Linear Analogue Scale. Patients can answer questions orally rather than completing worksheet
- Life expectancy ≥ 6 months
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0, 1 or 2
- Hemoglobin ≥ 10.0 g/dL (patients must not have been transfused in the preceding 90 days to meet this criterion) (≤ 180 days prior to registration)
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) ≤ 3 x upper limit normal (ULN) (≤ 180 days prior to registration)
- Creatinine ≤ 1.5 x ULN (≤ 180 days prior to registration)
- No clinical suspicion of hypothyroidism withi
Where
- Albert Lea, Minnesota
- Bemidji, Minnesota
- Brainerd, Minnesota
- Deer River, Minnesota
- Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Fosston, Minnesota
- Hibbing, Minnesota
- Mankato, Minnesota
- Monticello, Minnesota
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Sandstone, Minnesota
And 3 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations