Geranium Inhalation Aromatherapy for Reducing Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

NCT07292831 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: UMS-GERANIUM-RCT2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain among the most distressing side effects experienced by cancer patients and can significantly affect treatment tolerance and quality of life. Geranium essential oil has been proposed as a complementary, non-pharmacological therapy that may help reduce nausea and vomiting through its calming and antiemetic properties. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the potential effectiveness of geranium inhalation aromatherapy in reducing nausea and vomiting among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Ninety participants undergoing intravenous chemotherapy will be enrolled and randomly assigned to either the geranium aromatherapy group or the control group. The intervention group will receive inhalation of geranium essential oil, while the control group will receive no aromatherapy.Nausea and vomiting will be measured using the validated Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR) before chemotherapy and 12 hours afterward. This study is designed to explore whether geranium inhalation aromatherapy may serve as a supportive complementary therapy to enhance comfort and overall quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Conditions

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV); Cancer

Keywords

Cancer; Chemotherapy; Geranium Aromatherapy; Nausea; Vomiting

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Nausea and Vomiting Score (INVR)

  The primary outcome is the change in nausea, vomiting, and retching severity measured using the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR). INVR scores are collected before chemotherapy (baseline) and 12 hours after chemotherapy. The measure evaluates the effectiveness of geranium inhalation aromatherapy in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

  Baseline to 12 hours after chemotherapy

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Incidence of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

  12 hours after chemotherapy

Study Arms (2)

Geranium Aromatherapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm received geranium essential oil inhalation aromatherapy during chemotherapy. The aromatherapy was administered by allowing patients to inhale geranium essential oil through a controlled inhalation method. This intervention was provided during the chemotherapy session, and nausea/vomiting levels were assessed before and 12 hours after chemotherapy using the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR).

Other: Geranium Inhalation Aromatherapy

Control (No Aromatherapy)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this arm did not receive any aromatherapy or additional supportive intervention. They underwent chemotherapy according to the standard hospital protocol. Nausea and vomiting were assessed at baseline and 12 hours after chemotherapy using the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR).

Interventions

Geranium Inhalation Aromatherapy OTHER

Participants received inhalation aromatherapy using geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens). The essential oil was administered through controlled inhalation during the chemotherapy session. Patients inhaled the aroma directly, allowing olfactory stimulation intended to reduce nausea and vomiting. The intervention was applied according to a standardized protocol, and nausea/vomiting were assessed before and 12 hours after chemotherapy using the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR).

Also known as: Geranium Essential Oil, Aromatherapy with Geranium Oil

Geranium Aromatherapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with cancer.
• Currently undergoing intravenous chemotherapy regimen 1.
• Aged under 65 years.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 22.9 kg/m².
• Able and willing to provide informed consent.
• Able to communicate and follow study instructions.

You may not qualify if:

• Known allergy or sensitivity to essential oils or fragrances

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta: lead

Study Sites (1)

RSUD Dr. Moewardi Surakarta

Surakarta, Centre Java, 57126, Indonesia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Vomiting; Neoplasms; Nausea

Interventions

Aromatherapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms, Digestive; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Phytotherapy; Sensory Art Therapies; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Study Officials

• Faculty of Health Sciences FIK UMS

  Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Head of Quality Assurance Group

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: a geranium aromatherapy group and a control group without aromatherapy.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 23, 2025
• First Posted: December 18, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: October 1, 2024
• Study Completion: December 1, 2024
• Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

ID (1)