Acupuncture reduces breast cancer hot flushes
A Norwegian study has investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in women with breast cancer suffering from hot flushes as a result of anti-oestrogen medication (Tamoxifen). In a prospective, controlled trial, 59 wo were randomised to either 10 weeks of traditional Chinese acupuncture or sham acupuncture (SA). During the treatment period, verum (true) acupuncture significantly reduced the mean number of hot flushes from baseline, by 50% during the day and by almost 60% at night. Flushes were further reduced by 30% during both day and night over the next 12 weeks. In the sham acupuncture group a significant reduction of 25% in hot flushes during the day was seen during treatment, but this was reversed over the following 12 weeks. No reduction was seen in hot flushes at night. Kupperman index (a score of menopausal symptoms) was reduced by 44% from baseline to the end of the treatment period in the acupuncture group, and largely maintained 12 weeks after treatment ended. No corresponding changes were seen in the sham acupuncture group.
(Acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients, a randomized, controlled trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008 Oct 7.)
Acupuncture for chemo induced nausea and vomiting in children
Researchers have investigated whether acupuncture can reduce the need for antiemetic medication during chemotherapy in paediatric oncology. A multicentre crossover study carried out at five hospitals in Germany enrolled 23 children, mean age 13.6 years, who were receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy for the treatment of solid malignant tumours. Patients were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture treatment during either the second or third identical chemotherapy course together with standard antiemetic medication. Forty-six chemotherapy courses with or without acupuncture were compared. The need for rescue antiemetic medication was found to be significantly lower in acupuncture courses compared to control courses. Episodes of vomiting per course were also significantly lower with acupuncture.
(Acupuncture to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology – a randomized multicenter crossover pilot trial. Klin Padiatr. 2008 Nov-Dec;220(6):365-70. Epub 2008 Oct 23).
Auricular acupuncture for vasomotor symptoms in prostate cancer
The role of auricular acupuncture (AA) in men receiving luteinising-hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues for cancer of the prostate has been investigated by a research group in the UK. Vasomotor symptoms similar to those observed in postmenopausal women can affect the quality of life in such men. Sixty patients (median age 74 years) received weekly AA for 10 weeks. Ninety-five percent of patients reported a decrease in the severity of symptoms, from a mean symptom score of 5.0 to 2.1. The authors concluded that the symptomatic improvement observed with AA was comparable with that achieved with pharmacotherapy and that, based on cost analysis, AA represented a viable alternative.
(Auricular acupuncture: a novel treatment for vasomotor symptoms associated with luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone agonist treatment for prostate cancer. BJU Int. 2008 Aug 14).
Acupuncture for prostate cancer hot flushes
Both electroacupuncture (EA) and traditional acupuncture (TA) can reduce the impact of hot flushes on men who have had castrational treatment for prostate cancer. Swedish researchers randomised 31 men with hot flushes due to prostate cancer treatment to EA (12 points, with four electro-stimulated) or TA (12 points) weekly for 12 weeks. Hot flushes per 24 hours decreased significantly, from a median of 7.6 at baseline in the EA group to 4.1 after 12 weeks, and from 5.7 in the TA group to 3.4. Distress caused by flushes decreased from 8.2 in the EA group to 3.3, and from 7.6 to 3.4 in the TA group after 12 weeks. The overall ‘hot flush score’ decreased in the two groups by 78% and 73%, respectively, in line with or better than medical regimens for these symptoms. The effect lasted up to nine months after treatment ended.
(Two Modes of Acupuncture as a Treatment for Hot Flushes in Men with Prostate Cancer-A Prospective Multicenter Study with Long-Term Follow-Up. Eur Urol. 2008 Feb 14.)
Electroacupuncture reduces breast cancer hot flushes
Swedish researchers have compared the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) and hormone therapy (HT) on vasomotor symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer. Forty-five women were randomised to EA for 12 weeks or HT for 24 months. The frequency of, and distress caused by, hot flushes were recorded daily before, during and up to 24 months after the start of treatment. In the EA group, the median number of hot flushes per 24 hours decreased significantly from 9.6 at baseline to 4.3 at 12 weeks of treatment. 12 months after start of treatment, 14 women who had received EA had a median number of flushes/24 hours of 4.9, and at 24 months, seven women treated by EA had 2.1 flushes/24 hours. The HT group had a baseline median number of flushes/24 hours of 6.6 and 0.0 at 12 weeks.
(Long-term follow-up of acupuncture and hormone therapy on hot flushes in women with breast cancer: a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter trial. Climacteric. 2008 Apr;11(2):166-74.)
Acupuncture after breast cancer surgery
A Brazilian case series suggests that acupuncture can help in the rehabilitation of women following breast cancer surgery. Twenty-nine women who had lymphoedema and/or a decrease in range of arm movement following surgery were studied. The patients underwent 24 weekly acupuncture sessions. Significant improvements were observed in range of shoulder flexion and abduction, degree of lymphoedema and sense of heaviness and tightening in the affected limb after six months of therapy.
(Acupuncture in the rehabilitation of women after breast cancer surgery–a case series. Acupunct Med. 2008 Jun;26(2):87-93).
Acupuncture helps with dry mouth
A small study carried out in South Korea has investigated the effects of acupuncture on objective and subjective assessment of symptom changes in patients with head and neck cancer who have with radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth due to lack of saliva). Twelve patients with radiation-induced xerostomia were randomised into real or sham acupuncture groups. Acupuncture was conducted twice weekly for six weeks in a single-blind setting. The effect was evaluated by measuring salivary flow rates (stimulated and unstimulated) and questionnaire-based assessment of subjective symptoms pre- and at three and six weeks post-treatment. Both groups showed a slight increase in salivary flow rates, with no significant difference between them. However, real acupuncture markedly increased unstimulated salivary flow rates, and improved the score for dry mouth according to a xerostomia questionnaire, by 2.33 points versus 0.33 in controls. The authors conclude that the results show a significantly meaningful amelioration of the subjective sensation of xerostomia and an associated increase in quality of life.
(Manual acupuncture improved quality of life in cancer patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jun;14(5):523-6.)
Acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue
A randomised controlled pilot study has assessed the effects of acupuncture and acupressure in managing cancer-related fatigue. Forty-seven patients with cancer who experienced moderate to severe fatigue were randomised either to an acupuncture group, an acupressure group, or a sham acupressure group. The acupuncture group received six 20 minute sessions over two weeks, while the patients in the two acupressure groups were taught to press the points themselves and did so daily thereafter for two weeks. At the end of the intervention, there was a 36% improvement in fatigue levels in the acupuncture group, while the acupressure group improved by 19% and the sham acupressure by 0.6%.
(The management of cancer-related fatigue after chemotherapy with acupuncture and acupressure: a randomised controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2007 Dec;15(4):228-37).
Acupressure for chemotherapy sickness
Self-applied acupressure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting has been found to compare favourably with placebo. A multicentre, longitudinal, randomised clinical trial enrolled 160 women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Subjects were randomised to one of three groups: acupressure at Neiguan P-6 point (active), acupressure to Houxi SI-3 point (placebo), or usual care only. Subjects completed a daily log for 21 days containing measures of nausea and vomiting and recording methods (including antiemetics and acupressure) used to control these symptoms. For delayed nausea and vomiting (occurring more than 24 hours following chemotherapy treatment), the acupressure group had a statistically significant reduction in the amount of vomiting and the intensity of nausea over time, compared with the placebo and usual-care groups.
(Acupressure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomized clinical trial. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2007 Jul;34(4):813-20).
Auricular acupuncture for chemo hot flushes
A small qualitative study carried out in the UK has found that a standardised auricular acupuncture protocol delivered in small group clinics is beneficial for women suffering from hot flushes caused by hormone treatment for breast cancer. The 16 women interviewed found the acupuncture to be helpful and relaxing. Many reported reductions in hot flush frequency, as well as improvements in overall emotional and physical wellbeing. The group treatment setting was regarded as supportive and encouraging.
(Ear acupuncture for hot flushes – The perceptions of women with breast cancer. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Nov;13(4):250-7).
Acupuncture & massage after cancer surgery
Providing massage and acupuncture in addition to usual care results in decreased pain and depressive mood among postoperative cancer patients. One hundred and thirty eight cancer patients undergoing surgery were randomly assigned to receive either massage and acupuncture on postoperative days 1 and 2 in addition to usual care, or a control of usual care alone, and were followed over three days. Patients’ pain, nausea, vomiting and mood were assessed at four time points. Participants in the intervention group experienced a decrease of 1.4 points on a 0-10 pain scale, compared to 0.6 in the control group, and a decrease in depressive mood of 0.4 (on a scale of 1-5) compared to no change in the control group.
(Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Mar;33(3):258-66).
Acupuncture aids xerostomia
Xerostomia(dry mouth) is a common sequela of radiation for head and neck cancer as well as a consequence of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics. A small study which treated seven patients suffering from xerostomia after radiation for head and neck cancer has confirmed previous studies which have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for this condition. Eight months after treatment (once a week for 405 weeks then 2 or 3 biweekly treatments) all seven reported a reduction in dry mouth symptoms, increased saliva flow and improvements in eating, speaking and sleeping.
(Academy of General Dentistry).
Acupuncture & cancer pain
90 patients with cancer pain that was unrelieved by medication were randomly assigned to receive a. two courses of auricular acupuncture at points detected using a point detector, b. auricular acupuncture at points where there was no signal from the detector (placebo points), or c. auricular press seeds at placebo points. At two months after the start of the study, the patients in group a. showed a 36% reduction in pain scores, with only 2% change shown in the placebo groups.
(J Clin Oncol. Nov 15 2003: 4120-4126).
Acupuncture for tamoxifen side effects
A study carried out at at Mount Vernon Hospital in Middlesex, England, has found that traditional acupuncture is able to relieve the hot flushes that many women experience when taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer. Of 54 women on tamoxifen suffering from side effects of flushes or sweats before the treatment, 36% reported that their symptoms had decreased by 50% or more, while 89% reported some improvement. These positive results were maintained after treatment had ended. Personal accounts also showed that the women felt their energy levels had increased, that they could do more, and that their overall quality of life had improved after acupuncture.
(UK Complementary Health Care Conference, 5th December 2002).
Acupuncture & xeriostomia (dry mouth)
Another study has confirmed the benefit of acupuncture in the treatment of painful xerostomia (dry mouth) following radiotherapy for head or neck cancer. The trial involved 50 patients who received 3 needles in each ear plus bilateral Hegu L.I.-4. 70% of the patients in the trial experienced pain relief. Although some patients experienced continued pain relief without maintenance therapy, the researchers recommend a programme of three to four weekly treatments followed by monthly sessions.
(Cancer 2002;94(4):1151-6).
Acupuncture for dry mouth
Radiation therapy for cancer can induce secondary xerostomia (dryness of the mouth) which may be resistant to conventional pilocarpine therapy. In a study to assess the value of acupuncture in helping salivary production, twelve patients with xerostomia secondary to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer received treatment at points including Erjian L.I.-2, Hegu L.I.-4 and ear points zero, shenmen and salivary gland. Results showed that an increased degree of salivation was subjectively present in all patients after acupuncture and follow-up evaluations up to 1 month found that the oral buccal mucosa was moist, saliva was present and all patients were capable of expectoration (Medical Acupuncture, 2000, Volume 12/Number 1). In a separate Swedish study, researchers studied the effect of acupuncture on a range of patients with dry mouth, including those suffering from radiotherapy, Sjögren’s syndrome, menopause and depression. Patients received acupuncture twice weekly over four months at points including Juliao ST-3, Daying ST-5, Jiache ST-6, Tianrong SI-17, Futu L.I.-18, Yifeng SJ-17, Baihui DU 20, Shenmen HE-7, Neiguan P-6, Sanjian L.I.-3, Hegu L.I.-4, Quchi L.I.-11, Waiguan SJ-5, Zusanli ST 36, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Zulinqi GB-41, Taichong LIV 3, Taixi KID-3 and Shuiquan KID-5. All patients had significantly higher salivary flow rates after treatment, with the best results seen in the irradiated cancer patients. Benefits were still observed six months after treatment, which was maintained for several years among those who elected to have periodic additional treatment.
(Oral Diseases 2000; 6(1):15-24).
Acupuncture & vasomotor symptoms
A Swedish study has shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) in men following castration therapy for prostatic carcinoma. Patients received twice weekly acupuncture for 2 weeks, and weekly for 10 weeks. Flushes were reduced by 70% after 10 weeks and was 50% lower 3 months after the last treatment.
(Journal of Urology 1999; 161(3); 853-856).
Acupuncture and xerostomia
Xerostomia, a condition of dryness of the mouth due to salivary dysfunction, is a common and usually irreversible side effect in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. A study has now shown that acupuncture can have a considerable effect in promoting salivary flow, benefiting 68% of a group of patients who received classical acupuncture. It seemed to make no difference how long ago the radiotherapy had been received, and it was noted that among those patients who showed improvement after twelve acupuncture sessions, the improvement was likely to be maintained for at least one year of follow-up observation. Interestingly, the control group in this study who received superficial acupuncture as a placebo also showed significant improvement (50%) and the authors suggest that superficial acupuncture should therefore preferably not be used as a placebo.
(European Journal of Cancer 1996;32B(3): 182-190).
