Acupuncture for People Experiencing Period Loss Due to Chemotherapy

Acupuncture for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients: (AcuAYA)

The purpose of this study is to find out whether it is practical (feasible) to use acupuncture to treat period loss (amenorrhea) caused by chemotherapy treatment in people with cancer. The researchers will look at how many participants enroll and complete the study. The researchers will also study how treatment with acupuncture affects the amount of time for the menstrual cycle to return and symptoms and quality of life related to amenorrhea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English speaking woman between the ages of 15 and 40
• History of stage I, II, or III cancer OR stage IV or unstaged hematologic malignancy (e.g. lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma) that is stable, as assessed by care team
• Premenopausal status with regular menstruation at the time of diagnosis by patient report
• Completed cytotoxic chemotherapy within the past year
• Premenopausal status with regular menstruation at the time of diagnosis by patient report for females ages 18 or older
• Report cessation of menses during or after chemotherapy and have not experienced menses recovery at the time of enrollment.
• Have reached menarche prior to therapy or during therapy for females between 15 and 17 years old
• Patient meets at least one of the following:
• Reports cessation of menses during or after chemotherapy and have not experienced menses recovery at the time of enrollment and has been without menses for at least 3 months 64 following the completion of cytotoxic chemotherapy; OR
• Is receiving ovarian suppression therapy (e.g., leuprolide [Lupron] or goserelin [Zoladex]) or hormonal contraceptive drugs, regardless of menstrual status, and report persistent (≥3 months), moderate-to- severe menopause-related symptoms, defined as a score of ≥4 on a 0-10 scale for at least one MENQOL item during eligibility screening.
• Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one of the two possible arms: acupuncture and WLC

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had been pregnant or lactating within 3 months prior to enrollment
• History of hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy
• Ongoing or planned radiation or surgery within 4 months from randomization
• Use of acupuncture for menses recovery within 3 months of enrollment
• Had been or will be receiving ovarian suppression medicine, such as leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex), or hormonal contraception drugs within 3 months of enrollment or during the study period