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OBJECTIVE	To explore the experience of breast cancer patients who either received acupuncture or were allocated to the control group .
METHODS	Focus group/interviews nested within our multi-site randomised controlled trial .
METHODS	Participants were recruited from the standard care and experimental arm .
METHODS	The interviews/focus groups were transcribed and analysed thematically .
RESULTS	Of the 302 eligible participants 13 % ( n = 40 ) contributed to the focus groups/interviews , across three study sites in the UK .
RESULTS	Five common themes were identified , including : drivers to take part , the experience of receiving acupuncture , being allocated standard care ( control ) and reflections on taking part in the trial .
RESULTS	The subgroup of control group participants ( n = 9 ) reported disappointment on hearing their allocation , but recognised the value of their role to the study .
CONCLUSIONS	Recipients of acupuncture reported beneficial effects in managing fatigue and related symptoms .
CONCLUSIONS	The finding that control participants were disappointed warrants further investigation and consideration when designing interventional studies .

