Evaluating the feasibility of conducting a RCT of massage therapy in an underserved, urban patient population with cancer undergoing surgical placement of a port

Background: Current research on the use of massage therapy for cancer patients focuses predominantly on outpatient chemotherapy settings^1,2 and end-of-life care^3-5, but few data are available on the effects of massage therapy on cancer patients undergoing surgery⁶. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of doing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on massage therapy to reduce pain and anxiety in an urban patient population with cancer undergoing surgical placement of a port.

Methods: We conducted a nine month RCT of 60 cancer patients undergoing port placement, randomized 2:1 to usual care plus massage therapy vs. usual care plus attention control. Consented participants received two 20 minute interventions (one before and one after surgery). Data on pain and anxiety were collected around each intervention using an 11-point Likert pain scale and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We also collected sociodemographic and qualitative data (observations and open-ended questions) on patients' experiences.

Results: Currently, 67 patients have been assessed for eligibility and 47 entered into the study. Initial analysis shows we can readily recruit a diverse patient population (64% are non-white and 48% were not born in the U.S.) and collect data on pain and anxiety. Qualitative results regarding recruitment, implementation and feasibility will be analyzed and presented.

Conclusion: When working with a diverse population, modifications can be made to study instruments to improve the quality of data collection. Preliminary analysis demonstrates that offering a RCT of massage therapy for perioperative pain and anxiety in a diverse, urban population is acceptable and feasible.