Pilot Study of Acupuncture to Reduce Hot Flashes in Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving Hormone Therapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether acupuncture can help manage bothersome side effects such as hot flashes, poor sleep, and fatigue in men with prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy called androgen deprivation therapy ADT. This pilot study aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture combined with lifestyle education in this group. The study will include 24 men with prostate cancer receiving ADT and explore acupunctures potential to reduce hot flashes and improve related symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one will start acupuncture immediately, and the other will start after a delay. The immediate group will receive weekly 30-minute acupuncture sessions for 10 weeks alongside lifestyle education, followed by a 12-week follow-up without acupuncture. The delayed group will receive lifestyle education and regular check-ins for the first 10 weeks, then begin the same 10-week acupuncture program. All acupuncture treatments will be delivered by certified acupuncturists with expertise in oncology care. During the study, participants will be followed for about 22 weeks and asked to complete daily hot flash diaries, symptom and quality of life questionnaires, and wear a Fitbit to monitor sleep. Researchers will measure study feasibility through patient enrollment and engagement, acceptability of the acupuncture intervention, and changes in hot flash severity. This pilot study will help determine if a larger trial should be conducted to better understand acupunctures role in managing hormone therapy side effects in men with prostate cancer.

Men With Prostate Cancer: Optimizing Wellness by Enhanced Relief From Hot Flashes With Acupuncture