Who may be eligible for this gynecological cancer clinical trial?

Women aged 18 or older with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer who are scheduled for their first outpatient brachytherapy treatment may be eligible. Participants must understand English or Spanish and be able to consent. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this gynecological cancer clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study treatment and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Age: 18Years +

FEMALE

ID05979610

Reiki Therapy to Improve Symptoms During Brachytherapy for Gynecological Cancers

Q: What is Reiki therapy studying for gynecological cancer patients receiving brachytherapy?

Reiki therapy is being studied to see if it can help reduce symptoms like anxiety, pain, and depression during the first brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers. The University of Utah leads this research to understand if Reiki can improve patient well-being during treatment.

Led by University of Utah · Updated on 2026-05-11

Participants Needed

Research Sites

43 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Reiki therapy on symptoms experienced by patients receiving their first brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers such as endometrial, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer. This open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted by the University of Utah aims to compare Reiki therapy to usual care in managing anxiety, pain, depression, and physiological responses during treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a session of Reiki therapy or standard care during the usual waiting period between the placement of the brachytherapy device and the start of treatment. Reiki therapy involves a trained practitioner channeling energy through their hands while the patient lies quietly with optional calming music and aromatherapy. The control group remains in a clinic room during this time and may engage in any activity except Reiki therapy, and they may be accompanied by a family member or friend. Participants complete questionnaires on anxiety, pain, and depression at multiple times on the day of their first brachytherapy treatment and again at a three-month follow-up. The study also monitors physiological measures including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. The primary outcome compares changes in anxiety levels using the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale from before the intervention to follow-up. Participation lasts at least three months to assess both immediate and longer-term effects.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Using Reiki Therapy to Improve Symptoms Associated With Brachytherapy in Patients With Gynecological Malignancies

How This Trial Compares With Other Options

This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.

Factors	Reiki Therapy plus Brachytherapy	Standard Care (Brachytherapy Alone)
What is it?	Reiki therapy is a form of Japanese energy healing administered by a trained practitioner who places hands on or near the patient with the intent to promote well-being. In the trial setting, Reiki is given during outpatient brachytherapy appointments.	Standard care in this setting is outpatient brachytherapy with routine supportive measures, without Reiki or specific energy therapy techniques.
Role in the trial	Tested as a potential adjunct to standard supportive care during brachytherapy to evaluate effects on anxiety, pain, and other symptoms.	Serves as the comparison arm reflecting usual brachytherapy delivery, used to measure differences from Reiki therapy addition.
Primary use or purpose	Explored for reducing anxiety and pain associated with brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers.	Provides evidence-based brachytherapy as standard treatment for eligible gynecological malignancies.
How it is given or performed	A certified Reiki practitioner places hands lightly on or just above the patient's body during brachytherapy sessions, in a calming environment that may include music or aromatherapy based on patient preference.	Brachytherapy is delivered as a scheduled outpatient procedure by a radiation oncology team following standard protocols, without additional adjunctive energy therapies.
Evidence status	Evidence from small randomized and non-randomized studies suggests Reiki may help reduce anxiety or pain in cancer patients, but data remain limited, especially in the setting of brachytherapy.	Brachytherapy is considered an evidence-based, essential part of treatment for endometrial, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, supported by strong guideline recommendations.
Important limitations	Reiki research in cancer is limited by small studies, variable session protocols, and absence of blinding; generalizability to all patients remains unclear.	Even with guideline-based brachytherapy, patients may experience anxiety, pain, or distress, which are not always fully relieved by standard supportive care.

Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

FEMALE

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Female aged 18 years or older
Pathologically confirmed cancer of the endometrium, cervix, vagina, or vulva
Eligible for outpatient brachytherapy treatment
Able to read and understand English or Spanish
Able to provide informed consent and willing to sign consent form
Willing to participate in either Reiki therapy or standard care group

You will not qualify if you...

Prior brachytherapy treatment for a gynecological cancer
Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that affect ability to understand information, give consent, comply with study protocol, or complete the study

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

Treatment

Duration - During the standard wait time before first brachytherapy treatment

Participants receive either a session of Reiki therapy during the standard wait time between the placement of the brachytherapy device and their first brachytherapy treatment, or remain in a clinic room during this wait time without Reiki therapy.

1 visit (in-person)