Trial Information

Healing Touch in Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients: Immune Effects and Mechanisms

The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment are often severe and can have
devastating effects on the mental and physical well-being of cancer patients. This study
will determine whether healing touch and relaxation therapy are effective in minimizing the
side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment in cervical cancer patients.

Participants in this study will receive weekly chemotherapy and daily radiation treatments
for 6 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care (SC), SC
plus relaxation therapy, or SC plus healing touch therapy. The relaxation therapy consists
of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery. The healing touch therapy involves an
energy-based modality in which health care practitioners stimulate the energy fields
surrounding the patient. A physician-completed assessment and measures of immune function
will be used to assess the well-being and overall quality of life of participants.