Actively Recruiting
Wisconsin Ginseng for Decreasing Cancer Related Fatigue
Led by Mayo Clinic · Updated on 2026-03-30
160
Participants Needed
15
Research Sites
121 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This phase III trial compares the effect of Wisconsin ginseng (panax quinquefolius) to placebo in patients with cancer that suffer from significant fatigue. Fatigue is among the most challenging symptoms to manage in patients with cancer, both on or off active treatment. This symptom complex meaningfully contributes to psychosocial distress, healthcare costs, and it also interferes with the delivery of anticancer therapies. American ginseng (Western ginseng) appears to be a promising appearing agent for treating cancer related fatigue. Western ginseng may reduce cancer-related fatigue.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Wisconsin Ginseng for Decreasing Cancer Related Fatigue
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Receiving or have received treatment for a solid-organ cancer (not blood cancer)
- History of cancer-related fatigue with an average score of 4 or higher over the past 30 days
- Controlled insomnia with a score of 4 or less on the Linear Analogue Scale
- Controlled pain with a score of 4 or less on the Linear Analogue Scale
- Life expectancy of at least 6 months
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1, or 2
- Hemoglobin level of 10.0 g/dL or higher without blood transfusion in the past 90 days
- Liver enzyme levels (ALT or AST) no more than 3 times the upper limit of normal within 180 days prior to registration
- Creatinine level no more than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal within 180 days prior to registration
- No clinical suspicion of hypothyroidism within 180 days prior to registration, or if suspected, a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level below 5 mIU/L
- Negative pregnancy test within 7 days prior to registration for persons who can become pregnant
- Ability to complete questionnaires independently or with assistance
- Provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to ginseng
- Currently using medications specifically to treat fatigue, such as psychostimulants or antidepressants (unless stable dose for 30 days for other reasons and planned continuation for 8 weeks)
- Psychiatric disorders including poorly controlled depression, manic depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia
- Use of erythropoietic agents within the past 6 months
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure on more than three occasions within 180 days prior to randomization
- Surgery requiring general anesthesia within 30 days before randomization
- Presence of malnutrition, active infection, severe depression, significant lung or heart disease impacting fatigue
- Use of any over-the-counter herbal or dietary supplements marketed for fatigue or energy (e.g., ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, guarana, adaptogens)
- Current use of antidiabetic drugs, warfarin, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Expected changes in cancer treatment within the next 8 weeks as anticipated by the treating provider
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 15 locations
1
Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea
Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States, 56007
Actively Recruiting
2
Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center
Bemidji, Minnesota, United States, 56601
Actively Recruiting
3
Essentia Health Saint Joseph's Medical Center
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States, 56401
Actively Recruiting
4
Essentia Health Deer River Clinic
Deer River, Minnesota, United States, 56636
Actively Recruiting
5
Essentia Health St. Mary's Detroit Lakes Clinic
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, United States, 56501
Actively Recruiting
6
Essentia Health Cancer Center
Duluth, Minnesota, United States, 55805
Actively Recruiting
7
Essentia Health Fosston
Fosston, Minnesota, United States, 56542
Actively Recruiting
8
Essentia Health Hibbing Clinic
Hibbing, Minnesota, United States, 55746
Actively Recruiting
9
Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota, United States, 56001
Actively Recruiting
10
MMCORC CentraCare Monticello Cancer Center
Monticello, Minnesota, United States, 55362
Completed
11
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
Actively Recruiting
12
Essentia Health Sandstone
Sandstone, Minnesota, United States, 55072
Actively Recruiting
13
Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center
Thief River Falls, Minnesota, United States, 56701
Actively Recruiting
14
Essentia Health Virginia Clinic
Virginia, Minnesota, United States, 55792
Actively Recruiting
15
Sanford Worthington Medical Center
Worthington, Minnesota, United States, 56187
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Clinical Trials Referral Office
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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