Researchers and physicians at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital & Medical Center are looking outside of traditional Western medicine to find relief for breast cancer patients.  Legacy Cancer Research is currently enrolling participants in two clinical trials that examine alternative solutions for patients suffering from the side effects of surgery and hormonal therapy. 

One study takes a closer look at acupuncture, while the other evaluates the effectiveness of a traditional Chinese medicine..

The acupuncture clinical trial will evaluate whether the therapy relieves patients’ symptoms due to having their lymph nodes removed.  When a woman has invasive breast cancer, her surgeon will often remove the axillary lymph nodes, which are under her arm.  Examining the lymph nodes helps the physician determine if the cancer has spread. 

Thirty percent of women who have a full axillary dissection will suffer from numbness, swelling and/or a decreased range of motion.

“Acupuncture has been proven to help in other settings,” says Nathalie Johnson, M.D., medical director of Legacy Cancer Services and principal investigator of both clinical trials.  “If it makes a difference here, we can improve outcomes after surgery for so many other future breast cancer survivors.”

The trial is being done in collaboration with the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.  Women are eligible if they have never had acupuncture therapy before.  The study will compare the effects of acupuncture, placebo (inactive) acupuncture and standard care only.  The other study will explore the use of traditional Chinese medicine to diminish the side effects of chemotherapy. 

Seventy percent of breast cancer patients will have estrogen positive cancer or hormone sensitive cancer.  As part of their treatment, some women must take an Aromatase inhibitor therapy for five years, which lowers estrogen levels.  The inhibitor often times leads to such side effects as bone, muscle and joint pain.  Many women will stop taking the medication to relieve the pain.   

“We know some stop taking the Aromatase inhibitors, which increases their risk of the cancer recurring,” says Dr. Johnson.  “If Blue Citrus can offer a more natural approach and relieve symptoms, more patients will stick with their regimens and have an improved quality of life.” 

Physicians will compare a placebo to  Blue Citrus (a mix of herbs, seeds, fruits and shells) to see if the traditional Chinese medicine is effective in reducing the bone, muscle, and joint pains, and thereby improves the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.  A screening visit will take place when the patient notifies her physician of bone or joint pain while taking her Aromatase inhibitors. 

People who are interested in learning more about either study are asked to contact Legacy Cancer Research at (503)-413-8199.

Background on Legacy Cancer Services

Legacy Cancer Services comprises research, education and prevention, risk assessment and genetics counseling, early detection, second opinion consultation, multidisciplinary treatment, rehabilitation, hospice care, innovative support services (e.g., art therapy, yoga), and specialized programs of care for certain kinds of cancer (e.g., colorectal, prostate, breast). In addition, Legacy offers an array of advanced technology for diagnosing and treating cancers, including da Vinci robotic surgical assistance and interventional radiology.

The home base for Legacy Cancer Services is the Comprehensive Cancer Center on the Legacy Good Samaritan campus, but cancer services are offered at all Legacy hospitals.