October 25, 2007
Research study looks for participants with bone cancer pain
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Researchers from the Marriage and Family Therapy Program and the Nursing school are working to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-social/behavioral treatment designed to reduce pain associated with bone cancer.
Cleveland Shields, Mope Adeola and others are investigating whether a Guided Imagery and Relaxation (GIR) intervention for cancer patients, when added to the usual care of bone cancer patients, can effectively reduce patient perceived pain, reduce patient use of analgesics, and improve patient quality of life.
Evaluating treatments which may serve to alleviate pain associated with cancer is critical, as approximately 50 percent of cancer patients report that their pain is under treated. Because the pain associated with cancer increases as cancer progresses, 90 percent of advanced cancer patients report severe pain. Although pharmacological treatments are available, side effects from these medications tend to reduce patient compliance to treatment, resulting in under management of pain in as many as 45 percent of cancer patients. The under treatment of pain in cancer patients is associated with increased symptoms of depression and consequently reduced survival as depressed cancer patients report a desire for hastened death.
The GIR intervention is a complementary treatment for pain which involves listening to a special audio recording or sitting quietly for 13 minutes twice a day.
Research participants will be evaluated over the course of 12 weeks through the use of a daily journal. Participants will be provided some monetary compensation for their efforts.
Researchers are currently enrolling patients who have bone cancer pain. Potential participants much be at least 18 years old to be eligible for the study. Risks for participation are minimal.
Those interested in participating may call Mope Adeola, CNS, OCN at 765-494-4033, or Nancy I. Longoria, M.Ed, 765-494-4589.