NCT06915116 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Acupuncture for People Experiencing Period Loss Due to Chemotherapy
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to find out whether it is practical (feasible) to use acupuncture to treat period loss (amenorrhea) caused by chemotherapy treatment in people with cancer. The researchers will look at how many participants enroll and complete the study.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to find out whether it is practical (feasible) to use acupuncture to treat period loss (amenorrhea) caused by chemotherapy treatment in people with cancer. The researchers will look at how many participants enroll and complete the study. The researchers will also study how treatment with acupuncture affects the amount of time for the menstrual cycle to return and symptoms and quality of life related to amenorrhea.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Acupuncture
Acupuncture will be delivered by licensed experienced acupuncturists at MSK. The intervention includes 12 treatments of acupuncture over 12 weeks (i.e. one treatment a week) with a +/- 14-day window. This window applies to the 12-week treatment period rather than to individual visits. The minimum required time between each treatment is 48 hours. When patients experience menses recovery during the treatment period, they have the option to discontinue treatment or continue receiving up to 12 acupuncture sessions for symptom management over 12 weeks.
OTHER
No Acupuncture
Will have the option to receive the same acupuncture treatment as the acupuncture group after a 16-week waiting period
Primary outcome measures
Enrollment rate
Time frame: 1 year
This is the proportion of patients who enroll in the study among those who are eligible and offered participation. Reason for not participating will be documented (e.g. time/commitment, not wanting to be randomized, does not want the study intervention).
Acupuncture treatment adherence rate.
Time frame: up to 16 weeks
adherence rate is the proportion of patients randomized to the Acupuncture arm who are treatment adherent, defined as completing 10 or more of the 12 acupuncture sessions.
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
- English speaking woman between the ages of 15 and 40
- History of stage I, II, or III cancer OR stage IV or unstaged hematologic malignancy (e.g. lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma) that is stable, as assessed by care team
- Premenopausal status with regular menstruation at the time of diagnosis by patient report
- Completed cytotoxic chemotherapy within the past year
- Premenopausal status with regular menstruation at the time of diagnosis by patient report for females ages 18 or older
- Report cessation of menses during or after chemotherapy and have not experienced menses recovery at the time of enrollment.
- Have reached menarche prior to therapy or during therapy for females between 15 and 17 years old
- Patient meets at least one of the following:
- Reports cessation of menses during or after chemotherapy and have not experienced menses recovery at the time of enrollment and has been without menses for at least 3 months 64 following the completion of cytotoxic chemotherapy; OR
- Is receiving ovarian suppression therapy (e.g., leuprolide \[Lupron\] or goserelin \[Zoladex\]) or hormonal contraceptive drugs, regardless of menstrual status, and report persistent (≥3 months), moderate-to- severe menopause-related symptoms, defined as a score of ≥4 on a 0-10 scale for at least one MENQOL item during eligibility screening.
- Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one of the two possible arms: acupuncture and WLC
Exclusion criteria
- Had been pregnant or lactating within 3 months prior to enrollment
- History of hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy
- Ongoing or planned radiation or surgery within 4 months from randomization
- Use of acupuncture for menses recovery within 3 months of enrollment
- Had been or will be receiving ovarian suppression medicine, such as leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex), or hormonal contraception drugs within 3 months of enrollment or during the study period
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- East White Plains, New York
- New York, New York
- Rockville Centre, New York
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 Aug 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations