NCT07126301 · City of Hope Medical Center
Aromatherapy Essential Oils to Manage Anxiety and Nausea in Cancer Patients Receiving Infusion in the Ambulatory Setting
What this study is about
This clinical trial tests how well aromatherapy essential oils work to manage anxiety and nausea in cancer patients receiving infusions in the ambulatory setting. Current drugs that are given for nausea may cause constipation and fatigue. Therefore, there is interest in exploring complementary therapies, like aromatherapy, that do not carry the same side effects.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial tests how well aromatherapy essential oils work to manage anxiety and nausea in cancer patients receiving infusions in the ambulatory setting. Current drugs that are given for nausea may cause constipation and fatigue. Therefore, there is interest in exploring complementary therapies, like aromatherapy, that do not carry the same side effects. Using aromatherapy essential oils such as ginger, peppermint, and lavender, may help reduce nausea and anxiety. Some studies have shown significant reductions in nausea and anxiety among cancer patients using these oils, while other studies have had mixed results. Ginger and peppermint oils, in particular, have been associated with helping reduce nausea during chemotherapy, while lavender has shown potential benefits for anxiety. Jojoba oil will be used as a placebo for this research study. Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of a jojoba plant, which is a green shrub that is found in the southwestern United States). Jojoba oil is an oil which has no color or smell. Aromatherapy essential oils used through a personal inhalation device during chemotherapy may better manage anxiety and nausea in cancer patients receiving infusions in the ambulatory setting.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Inhale peppermint oil
PROCEDURE
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Inhale lavender oil
PROCEDURE
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Inhale ginger oil
PROCEDURE
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Inhale placebo jojoba oil
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Participation and completion rates
Time frame: At day 5 - up to 30 days post intervention
Will consider the study feasible if \>= 70% of patients are able to complete the essential oil treatment (lavender, peppermint, ginger or placebo). Completion will be defined as receiving oil treatments and submitting 4 days of at-home questionnaires as described. Will consider the study feasible if \>= 50% of a patient's questionnaires are completed. Descriptive statistics will be provided to summarize all the above data.
Satisfaction of patients treated with aromatherapy essential oils
Time frame: At day 5 - up to 30 days post intervention
Will be evaluated via a post-infusion questionnaire, in order to fully understand their experience with the treatment. Will consider patients to be satisfied if \>= 50% of patients answer that they are "very satisfied" or "satisfied" on their post-infusion surveys. Will also evaluate whether the patients are interested in aromatherapy essential oils for future chemotherapy infusion appointments, and their experience in the clinical trial. Descriptive statistics will be provided.
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
- Patients must have the ability to understand and sign a written informed consent document, and be willing to follow protocol requirements
- Ability to read and understand English for patient reported outcomes
- Age \>= 18 years
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status =\< 2
- Willingness to comply with all study interventions of essential oil aromatherapy
- Have been on a moderate- to high-risk emetogenic chemotherapy regimen as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for at least 1 cycle of therapy
- At least 2 remaining infusion appointments on a moderate- to high-risk emetogenic chemotherapy regimen as defined by the NCCN
- Have nausea defined as \> 3/10 with last chemotherapy infusion based on screening symptom questionnaire
- The study is open to all participants regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity
Exclusion criteria
- Self-reported aversion or sensitivity to lavender oil, peppermint oil, ginger oil, jojoba oil
- Uncontrolled respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Mental incapacitation (ex. stroke, brain metastasis etc.) that would cause inability to follow directions, in the opinion of the investigators
- Ongoing uncontrolled active psychiatric condition that would interfere in the conduct of the study (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis disorders, or substance use)
- Self-reported abnormal smelling abilities (for ex: ongoing sinus infections, long covid, etc.)
- Aromatherapy use in the last 30 days
Where
- Duarte, California
- Irvine, California
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations