Acupuncture for the Immune System in Radiation Cancer Patients
Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Urogenital Neoplasms
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Gastrointestinal Neoplasms focused on measuring Radiotherapy, Acupuncture, Immune System
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- patients who will receive ≥ 4 weeks of curative intent long course RT for a GI or GU malignancy
- patients may or may not have received / be receiving adjuvant chemotherapy
- anticipated survival of at least 12 months
- able to visit the BCCA VIC for treatment and 2 follow up visits
Exclusion Criteria:
- scheduled to receive RT for a period of less than 4 weeks
- expected survival period is less than 12 months
- are on anticoagulants
Sites / Locations
- BC Cancer Agency - Vancouver Island Centre
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
No Intervention
Experimental
Standard treatment
Acupuncture
Patients receiving standard radiation therapy for gastrointestinal or urogenital cancers. All subjects will be asked to give 20 mL of blood and complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Form (ESAS) on 3 occasions: before radiation at 1st follow up 4-10 weeks after radiation completion at second follow up 6 months after 1st follow up
Patients receiving standard radiation therapy for gastrointestinal or urogenital cancers with concurrent acupuncture once a week for 4 weeks. All subjects will be asked to give 20 mL of blood and complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Form (ESAS) on 3 occasions: before radiation at 1st follow up 4-10 weeks after radiation completion at second follow up 6 months after 1st follow up