Effect and Mechanism of Acupuncture for Cancer-related Cognitive Difficulties (ENHANCE)
The purpose of this study is to test whether acupuncture can improve cognitive difficulties and insomnia in survivors of breast cancer. Researchers will compare the effects of real acupuncture with those of placebo acupuncture and wait-list acupuncture. This study will also look at insomnia's link to cognitive difficulties. All study participants (receiving real acupuncture, placebo acupuncture, or wait-list acupuncture) will complete study questionnaires and/or have cognitive testing at Weeks 0, 4, 10, 14 and 26. After the Week 26 visit, your participation in this study will end. If you are assigned to receive placebo acupuncture or wait-list acupuncture, you will have the option of receiving up to 10 real acupuncture treatments within the six months after the study finishes.
• English-proficient adult women with a history of stage 0, I, II, or III breast cancer
• Free of oncologic disease by clinical examination or history
• Moderate or greater CRCD as indicated by a score of quite a bit or very much on at least one of the two items that specifically assess concentration and memory on the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0)
• Report that cognitive functions worsened since cancer diagnosis by replying Yes to all 3 questions
• Do you think or feel that your memory or mental ability has gotten worse since your cancer diagnosis?
• Do you think your mind isn't as sharp now as it was before your cancer diagnosis?
• Do you feel like these problems have made it harder to function on your job or take care of things around the home?
• Presence of insomnia symptoms as indicated by a score ≥8 on the ISI134
• Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one of the 3 possible choices: acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or wait-list control