Effect of Acupuncture on Memory and Thinking Difficulties after Breast Cancer

About the Study

The purpose of this study is to test whether acupuncture can improve thinking and memory difficulties in breast cancer survivors. Researchers will look at whether  acupuncture improves memory, thinking and sleep in breast cancer survivors. This study will also look at the link between lack of sleep and thinking difficulties.

What the Study Involves

Participants will be placed into to one of 3 groups. The participants will not get to select which group they are placed into. 

• Group 1 will receive 10 weekly sessions of real acupuncture. 
• Group 2 will receive 10 weekly sessions of "placebo acupuncture" (these visits may involve procedures similar to real acupuncture without the actual benefits). Participants assigned to this group will have the option of receiving up to 10 real acupuncture treatments within the six months after the study finishes.
• Group 3 will be on a wait-list and not receive any acupuncture. Participants assigned to this group will have the option of receiving up to 10 real acupuncture treatments within the six months after the study finishes.

All study participants will complete study surveys and/or have memory testing at Weeks 0, 4, 10, 14 and 26.

Study Locations

New York

• Commack
  Memorial Sloan Kettering Suffolk- Commack
  Contact: Jun Mao, MD, MSCE, 646-888-0866      
• Harrison
  Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester
  Contact: Jun Mao, MD, MSCE, 646-888-0863      
• New York
  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  Contact: Jun Mao, MD, MSCE, 646-888-0866      
  Contact: Kevin Liou, MD, 646-888-0864      
• Uniondale
  Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau
  Contact: Jun Mao, MD, MSCE, 646-888-0866     

This study is open women with the following:

• history of stage 0 (DCIS) or stage 1-3 breast cancer
• moderate or greater cancer related memory issues that have worsened since cancer diagnosis
• difficulty sleeping 
• willing to follow all study-related procedures, including being selected to participate in one of the 3 groups
• English-speaking

Contact the study coordinators for a complete list of who may or may not participate. 

People with the following may not participate:

• metastatic breast cancer (stage 4)
• less than 1 month since completion of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• greater than 10 years since most recent breast cancer diagnosis
• use of acupuncture for sleep or memory management within the past 3 months
• diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other brain disorder
• pre-existing, uncorrectable vision or hearing loss 
• on hormonal or targeted therapy in the last 4-8 weeks

Contact the study coordinators for a complete list of who may or may not participate.