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Li H, Schlaeger JM, Patil CL, Danciu O, Chen Z, Lif N, Gao S, Doorenbos AZ. Feasibility of implementing acupuncture in medically underserved breast cancer survivors (FAB): A protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 136:107387. [PMID: 37972754 PMCID: PMC10922295 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Nearly 94% of breast cancer survivors experience one or more symptoms or side effects during or after endocrine therapy. Joint pain, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, and anxiety are the most common concurrent symptoms, some of which can persist for 5 to 10 years. Acupuncture is a holistic modality that addresses multiple symptoms and side effects in a single therapy. Acupuncture has not yet been investigated for its effectiveness in treating the multiple symptoms experienced by breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine therapy. Medically underserved breast cancer survivors typically have limited access to acupuncture. The barriers limiting access to acupuncture need to be removed to enable equal access to breast cancer survivors for this evidence-based treatment. Thus, we developed a randomized controlled trial with a 5-week acupuncture intervention versus usual care for medically underserved breast cancer survivors. Mixed methods (semi-structured interviews, surveys, study notes) will be used to obtain in-depth understanding of barriers and facilitators for eventual implementation of the acupuncture intervention. This study will facilitate the widespread implementation, dissemination, and sustained utilization of acupuncture for symptom management among medically underserved breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Li
- University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, 845 S. Damen Avenue (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, 818 South Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Judith M Schlaeger
- University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, 845 S. Damen Avenue (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Crystal L Patil
- University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, 845 S. Damen Avenue (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Oana Danciu
- University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Hematology/Oncology, 820 S. Wood Street Suite 172 CSN (M/C 712), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, 818 South Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Natalie Lif
- University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, 845 S. Damen Avenue (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Shuang Gao
- University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine, 1853 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ardith Z Doorenbos
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, 818 South Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, 845 S. Damen Avenue (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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2
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Serra D, Fleishman SB, White C, Leung TM, Chadha M. Acupuncture Reduces Severity of Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer: A Randomized Single-Blind Trial. Holist Nurs Pract 2023; 37:330-336. [PMID: 37851349 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine-based therapeutic acupuncture (TA) in reducing the severity of hot flashes (HFs) in breast cancer patients and compared the effectiveness of TA to "sham" placebo acupuncture (SA). Subjects experiencing more than 10 episodes of HF/week were randomly assigned to TA or SA. The response was assessed by the Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MenQoL) scale, scoring the subject's perception of the severity of HFs. HFs were scored at baseline, after treatment, and 1-month follow-up. A total of 54 subjects enrolled (28 TA and 26 SA). Seven women withdrew from the study. A hot flash diary documented the number of HFs a subject experienced. Analysis included 47 subjects (27 TA and 20 SA). A statistically significant response in HF scores was noted in the TA group compared with the SA group (P = .0064.) On average HF scores dropped by 1.89 with TA, and only 0.16 with SA. At follow-up, TA subjects had a sustained response. TA is effective in reducing the intensity and severity of HF. With SA, no relative response/change in HF scores was noted. Larger studies and longer follow-up to assess durability of response to TA are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Serra
- Mount Sinai Downtown, New York, New York (Ms Serra and White and Dr Chadha); Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, Indio, California (Dr Fleishman); and Consultant, New York, New York (Dr Leung)
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3
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Jeong YJ, Choi HR, Kim KS, Shin IH, Park SH. Impact of Acupuncture on Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Antiestrogen Therapy with Tamoxifen: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:241-252. [PMID: 36787483 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on hot flashes in breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen as an adjuvant antiestrogen therapy in Korea. Design: This trial was a randomized, no-treatment-controlled, single-blind, multi-center trial. Participants were randomized 1:1 into the acupuncture group or into the no-treatment control group. Location: This trial was conducted at Daegu Catholic University Hospital and Daegu Haany University Korean Medicine Hospital in Daegu, Republic of Korea. Participants: Patients with moderate to severe symptoms of hot flashes while receiving adjuvant antiestrogen therapy using tamoxifen after surgery for breast cancer were included. Interventions: In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was performed three times a week for 4 consecutive weeks at five predetermined points. The control group received no treatment during the study period. Study Outcome Measures: As a primary outcome, the severity of hot flashes was measured on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and total hot flash score. In addition, the quality of life (QoL) of participants was assessed as a secondary outcome. Results: A total of 30 patients were included in this study, 15 each in the acupuncture group and the control group. The participants in the acupuncture group significantly decreased the severity of hot flashes evaluated with both VAS and total hot flash scores compared with participants in the control group. Also, the acupuncture group showed improved score of a global health status/QoL scale and functional scales assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire-core questionnaire, compared with those in the control group. This trend was maintained 4 weeks after acupuncture treatment. No adverse events have been reported in this study. Conclusions: Acupuncture was effective and safe in improving hot flashes in Korean breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant antiestrogen therapy with tamoxifen, and it improved the QoL. Clinical Trial Registration: KCT0007829.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ju Jeong
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hye Ryeon Choi
- Department of Surgery, Eulji Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Soon Kim
- Department of Korean Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Im Hee Shin
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Park
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, Korea
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Ha SJ, Kwag E, Kim S, Park JH, Park SJ, Yoo HS. Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Oncotherapy on the Survival, Quality of Life, and Telomere Length: A Prospective Cohort Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354231154267. [PMID: 37615075 PMCID: PMC10467224 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231154267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A 4-year prospective cohort study on patients with lung, gastric, hepatic, colorectal, breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center (EWCC) of Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. We divided patients into 2 groups based on how long they had been receiving TKM oncotherapy and compared event-free survival (EFS), telomere length change, and quality of life (QoL). The study collected data on 83 patients from October 2016 to June 2020 and discovered no statistical differences in EFS based on the duration of TKM oncotherapy. In the analysis of changes in QoL outcomes, there were no statistically significant group differences between the groups. After controlling for covariates that could affect telomere length, the long-term TKM oncotherapy group had a higher daily telomere attrition rate. The study of the relationship between telomere length and prognostic factors discovered that patients with advanced N stage at the time of diagnosis and who had previously received radiotherapy had shorter telomere length. When examining associations between SNP genotype and percentile score of telomere length, this study was able to confirm an association between telomere length and rs4387287. This study is significant because it is the first to assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy and investigate telomere length-related factors. To assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy on cancer patients' survival and QoL, a longer-term observational study with a larger sample size is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jung Ha
- Daejeon University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbin Kwag
- Daejeon University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Soodam Kim
- Daejeon University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ji-Hye Park
- Daejeon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Jung Park
- Pusan National University Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
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Symptom Management and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients Using Acupuncture-Related Therapies and Herbal Medicine: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194683. [PMID: 36230606 PMCID: PMC9564317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This is a scoping review of published literature on the usefulness of acupuncture-related therapies and herbal medicine in alleviating the side effects associated with breast cancer treatments. It is an important study given that the various treatment interventions for breast cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, have unpleasant side effects that compromise the patient’s quality of life. The study revealed positive impact of some acupuncture-related therapies and herbal medicines in improving the symptoms and quality of life of patients with breast cancer. These findings will inform further studies on the economic impact of acupuncture and herbal medicines in the management of adverse events in patients on breast cancer treatment. Abstract The side effects associated with breast cancer treatments often reduce the patients’ quality of life. The effectiveness of acupuncture-related therapies and herbal medicine in managing the side effect is not fully understood. The study included clinical studies published in the 10 years since 2011 and analyzed the effectiveness of the therapies for managing side effects of anticancer treatment. The databases of MEDLINE via PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, OASIS, and NSDL were searched. Thirty studies, including 13 (43.3%) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 12 (40.0%) before-and-after studies, three (10.0%) case series, one (3.3%) case report, and one (3.3%) non-RCT, were included in this review. The main symptoms identified were aromatase inhibitors-induced arthralgia (AIA), lymphedema, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The types of acupuncture-related therapies applied included manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, and electro-moxibustion. In ten studies, eight herbal medications were administered. The Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and -Breast (FACT-B) were frequently used to evaluate pain and QoL, respectively. Most studies suggested beneficial effects of acupuncture and herbal medicine on managing pain, daily function, and quality of life in patients going through AIA, CIPN, and/or lymphedema, with mild side effects. The scoping review implies the potential of CAM therapies as promising interventions for managing symptoms which otherwise lack alternative management options, and for improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients.
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Höxtermann MD, Haller H, Aboudamaah S, Bachemir A, Dobos G, Cramer H, Voiss P. Safety of acupuncture in oncology: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cancer 2022; 128:2159-2173. [PMID: 35262912 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is frequently used to treat the side effects of cancer treatment, but the safety of this intervention remains uncertain. The current meta-analysis was conducted to assess the safety of acupuncture in oncological patients. METHODS The PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus databases were searched from their inception to August 7, 2020. Randomized controlled trials in oncological patients comparing invasive acupuncture with sham acupuncture, treatment as usual (TAU), or any other active control were eligible. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics and adverse events (AEs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS Of 4590 screened articles, 65 were included in the analyses. The authors observed that acupuncture was not associated an with increased risk of intervention-related AEs, nonserious AEs, serious AEs, or dropout because of AEs compared with sham acupuncture and an active control. Compared with TAU, acupuncture was not associated with an increased risk of intervention-related AEs, serious AEs, or drop out because of AEs but was associated with an increased risk for nonserious AEs (odds ratio, 3.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-13.35; P = .03). However, the increased risk of nonserious AEs compared with TAU was not robust against selection bias. The meta-analyses may have been biased because of the insufficient reporting of AEs in the original randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS The current review indicates that acupuncture is as safe as sham acupuncture and active controls in oncological patients. The authors recommend researchers heed the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) safety and harm extension for reporting to capture the side effects and better investigate the risk profile of acupuncture in oncology. LAY SUMMARY According to this analysis, acupuncture is a safe therapy for the treatment of patients with cancer. Acupuncture seems to be safe compared with sham acupuncture and active controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D Höxtermann
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heidemarie Haller
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Shaimaa Aboudamaah
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Armin Bachemir
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gustav Dobos
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Petra Voiss
- Evangelical Clinics Essen-Mitte, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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7
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Efverman A. Implementation of Acupuncture in Routine Oncology Care: A Comparison of Physicians’, Nurses’, Physiotherapists’ and Acupuncturists’ Practice and Beliefs. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221132834. [DOI: 10.1177/15347354221132834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is important to investigate beliefs in acupuncture in professionals because professionals’ expectations may affect treatment outcomes. Aim: To document the type, number, and education of professionals practicing acupuncture. Further, to compare beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture for common cancer related symptoms in the different types of professionals. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a questionnaire on practice and beliefs regarding acupuncture effects for symptoms that commonly occur in patients treated within oncology care settings. The respondents (n = 555) consisted of oncology professionals that is, physicians (n = 133), nurses (n = 172), and physiotherapists (n = 117). Additional respondents consisted of acupuncturists (n = 133), working outside approved health care. Results: Of the respondents, acupuncture was practiced by 4% of the physicians, 6% of the nurses, 58% of the physiotherapists, and 90% of the acupuncturists. The professionals believed acupuncture to be effective for pain (of the physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists, 94%, 98%, 89%, and 99% respectively believed in the effectiveness), chemotherapy-induced nausea (corresponding figures: 74%, 89%, 89%, and 93%), and vasomotor symptoms (corresponding figures: 71%, 81%, 80%, and 97%). The physicians believed acupuncture to be effective in a mean of 5 symptoms, nurses in 6 symptoms, physiotherapists in 6 symptoms, and acupuncturists in 10 symptoms ( P < .001). Conclusions: Since the professionals varied substantially regarding practice, education and beliefs in acupuncture, oncology clinics may consider delivering patient preferred acupuncture according to evidence-informed guidelines rather than on varying preferences among the professionals, since professionals’ treatment expectations may modify treatment outcomes.
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8
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Li H, Schlaeger JM, Jang MK, Lin Y, Park C, Liu T, Sun M, Doorenbos AZ. Acupuncture Improves Multiple Treatment-Related Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:1084-1097. [PMID: 34449251 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2021.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acupuncture has demonstrated effectiveness for symptom management among breast cancer survivors. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on treatment-related symptoms among breast cancer survivors. Methods: The authors searched PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for managing treatment-related symptoms published in English through June 2021. They appraised the quality of each article using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Criteria. The primary outcomes were pain, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, lymphedema, and neuropathy as individual symptoms. They also evaluated adverse events reported in acupuncture studies. Results: Of 26 selected trials (2055 patients), 20 (1709 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Acupuncture was more effective than control groups in improving pain intensity [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.60, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -1.06 to -0.15], fatigue [SMD = -0.62, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.20], and hot flash severity [SMD = -0.52, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.22]. The subgroup analysis indicated that acupuncture showed trends but not significant effects on all the treatment-related symptoms compared with the sham acupuncture groups. Compared with waitlist control and usual care groups, the acupuncture groups showed significant reductions in pain intensity, fatigue, depression, hot flash severity, and neuropathy. No serious adverse events were reported related to acupuncture intervention. Mild adverse events (i.e., bruising, pain, swelling, skin infection, hematoma, headache, menstrual bleeding) were reported in 11 studies. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that acupuncture significantly reduces multiple treatment-related symptoms compared with the usual care or waitlist control group among breast cancer survivors. The safety of acupuncture was inadequately reported in the included studies. Based on the available data, acupuncture seems to be generally a safe treatment with some mild adverse events. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for incorporating acupuncture into clinical breast cancer symptom management. Due to the high risk of bias and blinding issues in some RCTs, more rigorous trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing multiple treatment-related symptoms among breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Li
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judith M Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Min Kyeong Jang
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yufen Lin
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chang Park
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tingting Liu
- Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ardith Z Doorenbos
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Zhang Y, Sun Y, Li D, Liu X, Fang C, Yang C, Luo T, Lu H, Li H, Zhang H, Liang Q, Wu J, Huang L, Xu R, Ren L, Chen Q. Acupuncture for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes. Front Oncol 2021; 11:646315. [PMID: 34178633 PMCID: PMC8222976 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.646315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The present systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the effects of acupuncture in women with breast cancer (BC), focusing on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods A comprehensive literature search was carried out for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting PROs in BC patients with treatment-related symptoms after undergoing acupuncture for at least four weeks. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk bias assessment were independently carried out by two researchers. Results Out of the 2, 524 identified studies, 29 studies representing 33 articles were included in this meta-analysis. At the end of treatment (EOT), the acupuncture patients’ quality of life (QoL) was measured by the QLQ-C30 QoL subscale, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General/Breast (FACT-G/B), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), which depicted a significant improvement. The use of acupuncture in BC patients lead to a considerable reduction in the scores of all subscales of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measuring pain. Moreover, patients treated with acupuncture were more likely to experience improvements in hot flashes scores, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and anxiety compared to those in the control group, while the improvements in depression were comparable across both groups. Long-term follow-up results were similar to the EOT results. Conclusions Current evidence suggests that acupuncture might improve BC treatment-related symptoms measured with PROs including QoL, pain, fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbance and anxiety. However, a number of included studies report limited amounts of certain subgroup settings, thus more rigorous, well-designed and larger RCTs are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhu Zhang
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Breast Department, Zhuhai Hospital of Guangdong Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Liu
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunmin Yang
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Luo
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Lu
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huachao Li
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyi Liang
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahua Wu
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limei Huang
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Ren
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianjun Chen
- Breast Clinic Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Breast Clinic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Hutton B, Hersi M, Cheng W, Pratt M, Barbeau P, Mazzarello S, Ahmadzai N, Skidmore B, Morgan SC, Bordeleau L, Ginex PK, Sadeghirad B, Morgan RL, Cole KM, Clemons M. Comparing Interventions for Management of Hot Flashes in Patients With Breast and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021; 47:E86-E106. [PMID: 32555553 DOI: 10.1188/20.onf.e86-e106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Hot flashes are common and bothersome in patients with breast and prostate cancer and can adversely affect patients' quality of life. LITERATURE SEARCH Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of one or more interventions for hot flashes in patients with a history of breast or prostate cancer. DATA EVALUATION Outcomes of interest included changes in hot flash severity, hot flash frequency, quality of life, and harms. Pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses were performed where feasible, with narrative synthesis used where required. SYNTHESIS 40 RCTs were included. Findings from network meta-analysis for hot flash frequency suggested that several therapies may offer benefits compared to no treatment, but little data suggested differences between active therapies. Findings from network meta-analysis for hot flash score were similar. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Although many interventions may offer improvements for hot flashes versus no treatment, minimal data suggest important differences between therapies. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING&NBSP;HTTPS //bit.ly/2WGzi30.
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11
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Sheng RY, Yan Y, Linh Dang H. Acupuncture for hot flashes: A literature review of randomized controlled trials conducted in the last 10 years. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_27_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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12
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Jang S, Ko Y, Sasaki Y, Park S, Jo J, Kang NH, Yoo ES, Park NC, Cho SH, Jang H, Jang BH, Hwang DS, Ko SG. Acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy for management of treatment-related symptoms in breast cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA-compliant). Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21820. [PMID: 33327222 PMCID: PMC7738093 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although randomized controlled trials have revealed the considerable effectiveness of acupuncture in breast cancer patients, there have been no studies exploring current acupuncture research trends for treatment induced various symptoms in breast cancer patients. This review evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment-induced symptoms in breast cancer patients. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature regarding acupuncture to treat symptoms associated with breast cancer therapies. The following databases were searched for relevant RCTs published before June 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, AMED, CINAHL, OASIS, CNKI, and CiNii. RESULTS Among the 19,483 records identified, 835 articles remained after screening titles and abstracts. A total of 19 RCTs were included in this qualitative synthesis. Among the studies, 8 explored climacteric symptoms, 4 explored pain, 2 explored lymphedemas, 2 explored nausea and vomiting and 3 investigated miscellaneous symptoms.explored miscellaneous symptoms due to cancer treatments. Most of the studies reported that acupuncture can alleviate various symptoms of breast cancer treatment. However, there is a lack of evidence as to whether accupuncture can alleviate chemotherapy associated side effects CONCLUSIONS:: Acupuncture may alleviate the treatment-related symptoms of breast cancer; however, further studies are necessary to obtain conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating breast cancer. REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018087813.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soobin Jang
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine; 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
| | - Youme Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University; 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
| | - Yui Sasaki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University; 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
| | - Sunju Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University; 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon
| | - Junyoung Jo
- Department of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology, Conmaul Hospital of Korean Medicine, 110 Seochojungang-ro, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
| | - Na-Hoon Kang
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung-Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
| | - Eun-Sil Yoo
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung-Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
| | - Nam-Chun Park
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung-Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
| | - Seong hee Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Shin University, 185, Geonjae-ro, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do
| | - Heejea Jang
- Women Cancer Center, Soram Korean medicine Hospital, 154–11, Samsung-dong, 06154, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Hyoung Jang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University; 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
| | - Deok-Sang Hwang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University; 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University; 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
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13
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Tran S, Hickey M, Saunders C, Ramage L, Cohen PA. Nonpharmacological therapies for the management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:1183-1193. [PMID: 32940768 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05754-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide, and for many, therapy results in treatment-induced menopause. Menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors are often more severe, frequent, and of greater duration compared with natural menopause. Hot flushes and night sweats pose a significant burden for many women, with limited therapeutic options as menopausal hormone therapy is contraindicated. Guidelines recommend non-hormonal pharmacological agents including clonidine, gabapentin, and some antidepressants. However, some women may be reluctant to use medications due to concerns about side effects. The aim of this narrative review was to appraise recent evidence for nonpharmacological treatments for vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors including cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnosis, yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes. METHODS A literature search was conducted. Studies were included if they were randomised and involved breast cancer survivors and nonpharmacological treatments for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. RESULTS Twelve studies met the criteria, and three studies of exercise in healthy menopausal women were included. Cognitive behavioural therapy reduces menopausal symptoms and perceived impact of hot flushes and night sweats in breast cancer survivors and is cost effective. The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for menopausal vasomotor symptoms in women with breast cancer is supported by two randomised controlled trials. Yoga and acupuncture may reduce vasomotor symptom frequency and/or burden. Studies of exercise as an intervention for vasomotor symptoms in healthy menopausal women have not shown benefit. CONCLUSION Evidence for nonpharmacological interventions supports cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnosis in the management of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tran
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Level 7, Royal Women's Hospital, 20 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Christobel Saunders
- Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Lesley Ramage
- Menopause Symptoms After Cancer Clinic, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA, 6008, Australia
| | - Paul A Cohen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,Department of Gynaecological Oncology, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, Subiaco, WA, 6008, Australia
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14
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Yuanqing P, Yong T, Haiqian L, Gen C, Shen X, Dong J, Qi C, Miaomiao Q. Acupuncture for Hormone Therapy-Related Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420940394. [PMID: 32718258 PMCID: PMC7388099 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420940394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the efficacy of acupuncture on the management of hormone therapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients. Methods: Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture versus a control or placebo in breast cancer patients that examined reductions in therapy-related side effects were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through April 2020. Data on patient symptoms (hot flashes, fatigue, pain, stiffness, and gastrointestinal symptoms), physical capacity, cytokines, and general psychosomatic well-being were analyzed. We evaluated and analyzed the quality of all included studies with the 5.2 Cochrane Handbook standards using Stata software (version 10.0) and Revman software (version 5.2), respectively. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and evaluated the quality of evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) approach. Results: The pooled results suggested that acupuncture led to moderate improvements in hot flashes, fatigue, and stiffness. No significant differences were observed in pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, Kupperman index scores, Overall quality of life, tumor necrosis factor levels, and interleukin levels. Conclusions: Evidence for outcome indicators of symptom management were downgraded by the GRADE system for inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision in the included RCTs. Nonetheless, acupuncture is a moderately appropriate alternative therapy for hormone therapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients. However, it still lacks large-sample, multicenter, prospective RCTs. Future research should focus on standardizing comparison groups and treatment methods, be at least single-blinded, assess biologic mechanisms, have adequate statistical power, and involve multiple acupuncturists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yuanqing
- Guilin Medical University, Campbell China Network, Guilin, China
| | - Tang Yong
- The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liang Haiqian
- Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese people's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Gen
- Guilin Medical University, Campbell China Network, Guilin, China
| | | | - Jin Dong
- Tianjin Pingjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cui Qi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu, China
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15
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Kaplan M, Ginex PK, Michaud LB, Fernández-Ortega P, Leibelt J, Mahon S, Rapoport BL, Robinson V, Maloney C, Moriarty KA, Vrabel M, Morgan RL. ONS Guidelines™ for Cancer Treatment-Related Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer and Men With Prostate Cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum 2020; 47:374-399. [PMID: 32555554 DOI: 10.1188/20.onf.374-399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hot flashes are a common and troublesome side effect of surgery or endocrine therapy. They may lead to physical and psychological distress and negatively affect quality of life. This clinical practice guideline presents evidence-based recommendations for pharmacologic, behavioral, and natural health product interventions for treatment-related hot flashes in patients with breast or prostate cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH An interprofessional panel of healthcare professionals with patient representation prioritized clinical questions and patient outcomes for the management of hot flashes. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach was used to assess the evidence and make recommendations. FINDINGS The panel agreed on 14 pharmacologic, behavioral, and natural health recommendations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Conditional recommendations include the use of antidepressants rather than no treatment, physical activity rather than no treatment, and the avoidance of gabapentin and dietary supplements in the treatment of hot flashes. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT&NBSP;HTTPS //onf.ons.org/ons-guidelines-hot-flashes-supplementary-material.
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16
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Lund KS, Siersma V, Bang CW, Brodersen J, Waldorff FB. Sustained effects of a brief and standardised acupuncture approach on menopausal symptoms: post hoc analysis of the ACOM randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:396-406. [PMID: 32517477 DOI: 10.1177/0964528420920280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to investigate whether the effect of a brief and standardised acupuncture approach persists after the end of the acupuncture treatment (post-treatment effect) and whether the anticipation of future acupuncture treatment affects menopausal symptoms (pre-treatment effect). METHOD This study is a post hoc analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial where women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms were offered weekly acupuncture treatment over five consecutive weeks and randomised (1:1) to an early intervention group that received treatment immediately and a late intervention group with a 6-week delay. The acupuncture style was Western medical, administered at CV3, CV4 and bilateral LR8, SP6 and SP9. Acupuncturists were general practitioners. The effect was evaluated repeatedly during and after the interventions using scales from the validated MenoScores Questionnaire (MSQ) for hot flushes (HF), day and night sweats (DNS), general sweating (GS) and menopausal-specific sleeping problems (MSSP) with a 26-week follow-up period (corresponding to 21 or 15 weeks post-treatment for the early and late intervention groups, respectively). Multivariable linear mixed models were used to analyse the extent and duration of effects. RESULTS Seventy participants were included in the study. Four participants dropped out. Furthermore, one participant was excluded from the short- and long-term follow-up analyses after the insertion of a hormonal intrauterine device, and nine participants were excluded from the long-term follow-up analysis due to the initiation of co-interventions. For each of the four outcomes, the effect was sustained up to 21 weeks post-treatment with an effect size that was only slightly diminished. A small, but significant, pre-treatment effect was observed in the HF scale scores. The same trend, although not significant, was observed in the DNS and MSSP scale scores. No serious harms were reported. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the overall effect of a brief and standardised acupuncture treatment on menopause-relevant outcomes was sustained up to 21 weeks post-treatment and that there was a small pre-treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamma Sundgaard Lund
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Winther Bang
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Koege, Denmark
| | - Frans Boch Waldorff
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Liu J, Nie G, Li Y, Wen Z, Lu L, Xie L, Cao D, Lai Y, Yang H. Nonhormonal Hot Flash Management for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:4243175. [PMID: 32419803 PMCID: PMC7204350 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4243175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and VIP up to May 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting nonhormonal hot flash treatments for breast cancer survivors were included. Primary outcome measurements were hot flash frequency and hot flash score of posttreatment. The methodological quality of each study was assessed with Cochrane's risk of bias tool. RESULTS 16 RCTs involving 2,349 participants were included. The nonhormonal therapies used in the included studies were classified as follows: lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, dietary/supplements, SSRIs/SNRIs, other medications, and other therapies. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that the general effect of nonhormonal management was statistically more effective than no treatment/placebo/sham in reducing hot flash frequency (SMD = -0.60, 95% CI [-1.13, -0.06]; P=0.03)) and hot flash score (SMD = -0.38, 95% CI [-0.68, -0.08]). For hot flash frequency, results from the NMA showed that there was no statistically significant difference between any two of the nonhormonal treatments. Another NMA result indicated that acupuncture (other therapies) was 16.05 points more effective in reducing hot flash scores than no treatment/waitlist (SMD = -16.05, 95% CI [-30.2, -1.99]). These results were statistically significant. Acupuncture was also ranked the optimal nonhormonal therapy for both hot flash frequency and hot flash score. The safety analysis showed that there were few related adverse events during acupuncture and that drug related adverse reactions could have also occurred in studies using drug interventions. CONCLUSIONS This network meta-analysis comparing nonhormonal treatments suggested that acupuncture might be more effective in improving hot flashes for breast cancer survivors. A pronounced placebo response was found during hot flash treatments. The evidence of safety for nonhormonal therapies was also insufficient. Therefore, at present, we cannot make confirmative recommendations of nonhormonal hot flash management for breast cancer survivors. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018082008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangning Nie
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Zehuai Wen
- Key Unit of Methodology in Clinical Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Clinical Research Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Xie
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongdong Cao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yafang Lai
- Department of Gynecology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongyan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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18
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Ots T, Kandirian A, Szilagyi I, DiGiacomo SM, Sandner-Kiesling A. The selection of dermatomes for sham (placebo) acupuncture points is relevant for the outcome of acupuncture studies: a systematic review of sham (placebo)-controlled randomized acupuncture trials. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:211-226. [PMID: 32026725 DOI: 10.1177/0964528419889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture reveal no significant differences between acupuncture and so-called placebo acupuncture. There is a strong tendency to replace the term "placebo" by the term "sham," because any needling stimulates a certain physiological response. However, neither concept accounts for the great diversity of results in RCTs comparing verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture. Some trials have shown little or no difference, while other studies have found statistically significant differences. OBJECTIVE Verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture may achieve similar results to the extent that they share active constituents. We identified these common active constituents as dermatomes: the segmental structure of the human body. In our study, we tested the hypothesis that the more verum and sham (placebo) acupuncture share the same dermatomes, the closer the clinical outcomes will be, and vice versa. METHODS All major databases were searched for RCTs that tested acupuncture versus sham (placebo) acupuncture. The dermatome charts of Hansen and Schliack were used to verify verum and sham (placebo) needling locations. Reported clinical outcomes were assessed in relation to the percentage of overlap between the dermatomes stimulated by acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture. RESULTS Our literature search yielded a total of 1738 references. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The effects of sham (placebo) acupuncture varied according to the dermatomes stimulated: high overlap with those stimulated by verum acupuncture resulted in almost identical efficacy, while low overlap resulted in significant differences in efficacy. Clinical outcomes were similar when verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture shared the same dermatomes (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION The findings of this review confirm our hypothesis. Acupuncture studies that employed verum and sham locations on overlapping dermatomes helped to create a mediocre to negative picture of acupuncture's efficacy. The segmental structure of the body with its interconnected reflex system offers an additional neurophysiological explanation for the effectiveness of acupuncture applied to structures segmentally innervated by the spinal and visceral nervous system. Further comparative acupuncture studies should be based on knowledge of segmental anatomy. In testing verum acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, the chosen sham acupuncture needling locations should be situated on non-overlapping dermatomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ots
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Asal Kandirian
- Department of Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum Spandau, Berlin, Germany
| | - Istvan Szilagyi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Susan M DiGiacomo
- Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain.,Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Sandner-Kiesling
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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19
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Chien TJ, Liu CY, Fang CJ, Kuo CY. The maintenance effect of acupuncture on breast cancer-related menopause symptoms: a systematic review. Climacteric 2019; 23:130-139. [PMID: 31612733 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2019.1664460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acupuncture has been used for many breast cancer treatment-related problems, but how long the effect lasts is unknown. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate how long the effect of acupuncture on breast cancer-related hot flushes and menopause symptoms lasts.Methods: The research design followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, without language restrictions. Seven databases from inception through February 2019 were accessed; only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that examined the maintenance effect of acupuncture on hot flushes or menopause symptoms after treatment were included. Cochrane criteria were followed and RevMan 5.2 software was used to analyze trials.Results: In total, 943 patients from 13 RCTs were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had no significant long-term maintenance effect on the frequency or severity of hot flushes (p = 0.29; p = 0.34), but had a significant 3-month maintenance effect of ameliorating menopause symptoms at 3 months after treatment ended (p = 0.001). No adverse events were reported.Conclusions: Acupuncture significantly alleviated menopause symptoms for at least 3 months, but not hot flushes. Breast cancer patients concerned about the adverse effects of hormone therapy could consider acupuncture as an alternative. Additional acupuncture at 3 months after the initial treatment course could be considered. A large-scale study may help to define the optimal guideline for this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-J Chien
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-Zhou and Jen-Ai, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-Y Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Flourish Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-J Fang
- Medical Library, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Secretariat, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C-Y Kuo
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Brinkhaus B, Kirschbaum B, Stöckigt B, Binting S, Roll S, Carstensen M, Witt CM. Prophylactic acupuncture treatment during chemotherapy with breast cancer: a randomized pragmatic trial with a retrospective nested qualitative study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 178:617-628. [PMID: 31520284 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the effect of additional prophylactic acupuncture during chemotherapy on quality of life and side effects compared to standard treatment alone in breast cancer patients. METHODS In a pragmatic trial, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were randomized to additional acupuncture treatments over 6 months or standard care alone (control group). The primary outcome was the disease-specific quality of life (FACT-B). Twenty qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients from each group regarding their subjective experiences. RESULTS A total of 150 women (mean age 51.0 (SD 10.0) years) were randomized. For the primary endpoint, FACT-B total score after 6 months, no statistically significant difference was found between groups (acupuncture: 103.5 (95%, CI 88.8 to 107.2); control (101.4 (- 97.5 to 105.4); difference 2.0 (- 3.4 to 7.5) p = 0.458)). Qualitative content analyses showed that patients in the acupuncture group described positive effects on psychological and physical well-being. For both patient groups, coping strategies were more important than reducing side effects. CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer patients receiving prophylactic acupuncture during chemotherapy did not show better quality of life in the questionnaires in contrast to the reported positive effects in the qualitative interviews. Coping strategies for cancer appear to be important. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01727362. Prospectively registered 11 July 2012; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01727362 . The manuscript adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benno Brinkhaus
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporatemember of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zuBerlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10098, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Barbara Stöckigt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporatemember of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zuBerlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10098, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Binting
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporatemember of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zuBerlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10098, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roll
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporatemember of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zuBerlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10098, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Claudia M Witt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporatemember of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zuBerlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10098, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Martin BR. Complementary Medicine Therapies That May Assist With Weight Loss: A Narrative Review. J Chiropr Med 2019; 18:115-126. [PMID: 31367198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to review the potential effects of traditional Chinese medicine-which includes acupuncture; electroacupuncture; plum blossom needle hammer; auricular acupuncture; herbs that balance hormones, regulate neurotransmitters, induce sedative effects, and increase thermogenesis; and functional foods that can suppress the appetite-as an adjunct therapy for weight loss. Methods A narrative review of the current literature was performed using searches of MEDLINE and 4 scholarly texts. The inclusion criteria for the review consisted of studies that were performed from 2005 to 2016. Results In general, some traditional Chinese medicine modalities claim to promote weight loss. Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and herbs aim to reduce stress-related food cravings. These therapeutic approaches aim to downregulate dopamine and leptin levels, suppressing the appetite. Other attributes of these therapies are increasing uncoupling protein-1 activity promoting thermogenesis, which contributes to weight loss. In addition, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and Cimicifuga racemosa may regulate estrogen, which could attenuate the appetite, assisting in weight-loss programs. Conclusion The literature reviewed includes information that describes how traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, or functional foods as adjunct therapies may be beneficial for weight-loss programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R Martin
- Basic Science Department, National University of Health Sciences, Pinellas Park, Florida
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22
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Pan Y, Yang K, Shi X, Liang H, Shen X, Wang R, Ma L, Cui Q, Yu R, Dong Y. Clinical Benefits of Acupuncture for the Reduction of Hormone Therapy-Related Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 17:602-618. [PMID: 30117343 PMCID: PMC6142070 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418786801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance. Acupuncture can help reduce unpleasant side effects associated with endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Nevertheless, comprehensive evaluation of current evidence from randomized controlled trials(RCTs) is lacking. Objective. To estimate the efficacy of acupuncture for the reduction of hormone therapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients. Evidence review. RCTs of acupuncture in breast cancer patients that examined reductions in hormone therapy–related side effects were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases through April 2016. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the 5.2 Cochrane Handbook standards, and CONSORT and STRICTA (Revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture) statements. Intervention. Interventions included conventional acupuncture treatment compared with no treatment, placebo, or conventional pharmaceutical medication. Major outcome measures were the alleviation of frequency and symptoms and the presence of hormone therapy–related side effects. Findings/Results. A total of 17 RCTs, including a total of 810 breast cancer patients were examined. The methodological quality of the trials was relatively rigorous in terms of randomization, blinding, and sources of bias. Compared with control therapies, the pooled results suggested that acupuncture had moderate effects in improving stiffness. No significant differences were observed in hot flashes, fatigue, pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, Kupperman index, general well-being, physical well-being, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin (IL). Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy appears to be potentially useful in relieving functional stiffness. However, further large-sample trials with evidence-based design are still needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Pan
- 1 Tianjin Medical College, Tianjin, China.,2 Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- 2 Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiue Shi
- 3 Gansu Rehabilitation Center Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Li Ma
- 5 General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Cui
- 6 The First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Runze Yu
- 1 Tianjin Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Dong
- 1 Tianjin Medical College, Tianjin, China
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Lund KS, Siersma V, Brodersen J, Waldorff FB. Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023637. [PMID: 30782712 PMCID: PMC6501989 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of a standardised brief acupuncture approach for women with moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. DESIGN Randomised and controlled, with 1:1 allocation to the intervention group or the control group. The assessor and the statistician were blinded. SETTING Nine Danish primary care practices. PARTICIPANTS 70 women with moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms and nine general practitioners with accredited education in acupuncture. INTERVENTION The acupuncture style was western medical with a standardised approach in the predefined acupuncture points CV-3, CV-4, LR-8, SP-6 and SP-9. The intervention group received one treatment for five consecutive weeks. The control group was offered treatment after 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were the differences between the randomisation groups in changes to mean scores using the scales in the MenoScores Questionnaire, measured from baseline to week 6. The primary outcome was the hot flushes scale; the secondary outcomes were the other scales in the questionnaire. All analyses were based on intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS 36 participants received the intervention, and 34 participants were in the control group. Four participants dropped out before week 6. The acupuncture intervention significantly decreased hot flushes: Δ -1.6 (95% CI [-2.3 to -0.8]; p<0.0001), day-and-night sweats: Δ -1.2 (95% CI [-2.0 to -0.4]; p=0.0056), general sweating: Δ -0.9(95% CI [-1.6 to -0.2]; p=0.0086), menopausal-specific sleeping problems: Δ -1.8 (95% CI [-2.7 to -1.0]; p<0.0001), emotional symptoms: Δ -3.4 (95% CI [-5.3 to -1.4]; p=0.0008), physical symptoms: Δ -1.7 (95% CI [-3 to -0.4]; p=0.010) and skin and hair symptoms: Δ -1.5 (95% CI [-2.5 to -0.6]; p=0.0021) compared with the control group at the 6-week follow-up. The pattern of decrease in hot flushes, emotional symptoms, skin and hair symptoms was already apparent 3 weeks into the study. Mild potential adverse effects were reported by four participants, but no severe adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The standardised and brief acupuncture treatment produced a fast and clinically relevant reduction in moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms during the six-week intervention. No severe adverse effects were reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02746497; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamma Sundgaard Lund
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frans Boch Waldorff
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present work was to evaluate the availability of acupuncture in UK hospices and specialist palliative care services and to identify any barriers to the use of acupuncture in these settings, to determine the characteristics of available acupuncture services and of practitioners providing acupuncture, and to determine awareness of the evidence base for the use of acupuncture in palliative care. Methods An online questionnaire with an invitation to participate was circulated by email to 263 hospices and specialist palliative care services in the UK. Results A response rate of 54% was obtained. Acupuncture was provided by 59% of services that responded. In general, small numbers of patients receive acupuncture as part of their palliative care treatment as inpatients, day patients or outpatients. Most practitioners were regulated health professionals who had received a Western-style training in acupuncture and used a Western-style medical acupuncture approach. Where acupuncture was not available the commonest reason given was the lack of a suitable practitioner. Most agreed that if funding and a suitable practitioner were available, acupuncture would be a useful addition to their service. The level of awareness of specific types of evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in palliative care was low, but most respondents were aware that some evidence existed. Conclusions There is a need to increase training in acupuncture for healthcare professionals working in palliative care. There is also a need to raise awareness of the potential benefits to patients and the evidence base supporting the use of acupuncture in palliative care.
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Rouhbakhsh M, Kermansaravi F, Shakiba M, Navidian A. The effect of couples education on marital satisfaction in menopausal women. J Women Aging 2018; 31:432-445. [DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2018.1510244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Rouhbakhsh
- Department of Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Fatihe Kermansaravi
- Department of Nursing, Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mansour Shakiba
- Department of Psychiatry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Ali Navidian
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Bao T, Peppone LJ, Robinson P. Addressing the Unintentional Consequences of Cancer Therapy With Novel Integrative Therapeutics. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2018; 38:822-828. [PMID: 30231327 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_201411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There are 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States because of, in part, improvements in therapy. As a result, there will be an increased burden of long- and late-term complications of cancer care, such as metabolic alterations. These metabolic changes will include alterations in bone resorption, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus. The majority of cancer treatment-related toxicities have focused on endocrine therapy; however, chemotherapy and supportive medications, such as steroids, contribute to the development of these disorders. Because of the chronicity of these metabolic changes and their impact on morbidity, cancer risk, and outcomes as well other negative effects, including musculoskeletal pain and vasomotor symptoms, alternative strategies must be developed. These strategies should include nonpharmacologic approaches. Here, we summarize metabolic changes secondary to cancer care and integrative approaches to help alleviate therapy-associated toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Bao
- From the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
| | - Luke J Peppone
- From the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
| | - Patricia Robinson
- From the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
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Befus D, Coeytaux RR, Goldstein KM, McDuffie JR, Shepherd-Banigan M, Goode AP, Kosinski A, Van Noord MG, Adam SS, Masilamani V, Nagi A, Williams JW. Management of Menopause Symptoms with Acupuncture: An Umbrella Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:314-323. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Befus
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Remy R. Coeytaux
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Karen M. Goldstein
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Jennifer R. McDuffie
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Adam P. Goode
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Andrzej Kosinski
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | | | - Soheir S. Adam
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Varsha Masilamani
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Avishek Nagi
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - John W. Williams
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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28
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Marchand LR, A. Stewart J. Breast Cancer. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chien TJ, Hsu CH, Liu CY, Fang CJ. Effect of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in breast cancer- A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180918. [PMID: 28829776 PMCID: PMC5568723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many breast cancer patients suffer from hot flush and medical menopause as side effects of treatment. Some patients undergo acupuncture, rather than hormone therapy, to relieve these symptoms, but the efficacy of acupuncture is uncertain. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in women with breast cancer. Methods A literature search was performed, following the PRISMA Statement and without language restrictions, of 7 databases from inception through March 2017. All selected studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of needle acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in patients with breast cancer. The methodological quality of these trials was assessed using Cochrane criteria, and meta-analysis software (RevMan 5.2) was used to analyze the data. Results We examined 844 breast cancer patients (average age: 58 years-old) from 13 RCTs. The trials had medium-to-high quality, based on the modified Jadad scale. The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had no significant effect on the frequency and the severity of hot flush (p = 0.34; p = 0.33), but significantly ameliorated menopause symptoms (p = 0.009). None of the studies reported severe adverse events. Conclusions Acupuncture significantly alleviated menopause symptoms, but had no effect on hot flush. Breast cancer patients concerned about the adverse effects of hormone therapy should consider acupuncture. Further large-scale studies that also measure biomarkers or cytokines may help to elucidate the mechanism by which acupuncture alleviates menopause symptoms in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ju Chien
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-xing, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ju Fang
- Medical Library, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Enblom A. Patients' and physiotherapists' belief in and use of acupuncture for cancer-related symptoms. Acupunct Med 2017; 35:251-258. [PMID: 28442462 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-011007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to investigate attitudes to acupuncture, because therapists' and patients' expectations may affect the treatment outcome. AIM To explore the use of and belief in acupuncture among oncological physiotherapists and to explore patients' interest in receiving acupuncture during cancer therapy and their belief in its effectiveness. METHODS 522 patients (80% female, mean age 67 years) reported on their interest in receiving acupuncture for nausea during radiotherapy treatment; a subgroup (n=198) additionally disclosed their belief in the effectiveness of acupuncture. 117 Swedish oncological physiotherapists (96% female, mean age 48 years) answered a questionnaire regarding their use of and belief in acupuncture. RESULTS Of the patients initiating cancer therapy, 359 (69%) were interested in receiving acupuncture. The patients believed acupuncture to be effective for pain (79%), nausea (79%) and vasomotor symptoms (48%). Of the 117 physiotherapists, 66 (56%) practised acupuncture. Physiotherapists generally believed in the effectiveness of acupuncture. For pain, 89% believed that acupuncture was effective and 42% of them practised it. Similar responses were noted for chemotherapy-induced nausea (86% and 38%, respectively) and vasomotor symptoms (80% and 28%, respectively). Younger physiotherapists and patients were more likely to believe in the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with older ones. CONCLUSIONS More than two thirds of patients with cancer were interested in receiving acupuncture during therapy. Patients and oncological physiotherapists believed that acupuncture was effective for cancer pain, nausea and vasomotor symptoms. Further studies of acupuncture for cancer-related symptoms and of the effect of patients' and clinicians' therapeutic relationships, including treatment expectations, would be welcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Enblom
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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31
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Effects of non-pharmacological supportive care for hot flushes in breast cancer: a meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2017; 25:2335-2347. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Carlos L, da Cruz LAP, Leopoldo VC, de Campos FR, de Almeida AM, Silveira RCDCP. Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2016; 24:e2762. [PMID: 27533271 PMCID: PMC4996090 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.0647.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. METHOD systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. RESULTS a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. CONCLUSIONS the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture. OBJETIVO identificar e sintetizar as evidências oriundas de ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram a efetividade da acupuntura tradicional chinesa em relação à sham acupuntura para o tratamento dos fogachos em mulheres com câncer de mama no climatério. MÉTODO revisão sistemática guiada pelas recomendações da Colaboração Cochrane. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL Cochrane, CINAHL e LILACS. Adotou-se a combinação dos descritores: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. RESULTADOS foram identificados 272 estudos, sendo 5 selecionados e analisados. Foi observada discreta superioridade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham, entretanto, sem fortes associações estatísticas. CONCLUSÕES as evidências obtidas não foram suficientes para afirmar quanto à efetividade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham. OBJETIVO Identificar y sintetizar la evidencia de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado que examinó la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional en relación a la acupuntura sham para el tratamiento de sofocos en las mujeres menopáusicas con cáncer de mama. MÉTODO Revisión sistemática guiada por las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane. Las referencias bibliográficas se buscaron en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE vía PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL y LILACS. Se utilizó una combinación de las siguientes palabras clave: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. RESULTADOS Se identificó un total de 272 estudios, cinco de los cuales fueron seleccionados y analizados. Se encontró una ligera superioridad de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham; sin embargo, no se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas fuertes. CONCLUSIONES La evidencia obtenida no fue suficiente para confirmar la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos
- Doctoral Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lóris Aparecida Prado da Cruz
- Master's Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cristina Leopoldo
- Master's Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil. RN, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto,
Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Ribeiro de Campos
- Master's Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil. RN, Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Franca, Franca, SP,
Brazil
| | - Ana Maria de Almeida
- PhD, Associate Professor, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
Universidade de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research
Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira Silveira
- PhD, Professor, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de
São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil
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Nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: 2015 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2016; 22:1155-72; quiz 1173-4. [PMID: 26382310 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update and expand The North American Menopause Society's evidence-based position on nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms (VMS), previously a portion of the position statement on the management of VMS. METHODS NAMS enlisted clinical and research experts in the field and a reference librarian to identify and review available evidence. Five different electronic search engines were used to cull relevant literature. Using the literature, experts created a document for final approval by the NAMS Board of Trustees. RESULTS Nonhormonal management of VMS is an important consideration when hormone therapy is not an option, either because of medical contraindications or a woman's personal choice. Nonhormonal therapies include lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, dietary management and supplements, prescription therapies, and others. The costs, time, and effort involved as well as adverse effects, lack of long-term studies, and potential interactions with medications all need to be carefully weighed against potential effectiveness during decision making. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians need to be well informed about the level of evidence available for the wide array of nonhormonal management options currently available to midlife women to help prevent underuse of effective therapies or use of inappropriate or ineffective therapies. Recommended: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and, to a lesser extent, clinical hypnosis have been shown to be effective in reducing VMS. Paroxetine salt is the only nonhormonal medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of VMS, although other selective serotonin reuptake/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentinoids, and clonidine show evidence of efficacy. Recommend with caution: Some therapies that may be beneficial for alleviating VMS are weight loss, mindfulness-based stress reduction, the S-equol derivatives of soy isoflavones, and stellate ganglion block, but additional studies of these therapies are warranted. Do not recommend at this time: There are negative, insufficient, or inconclusive data suggesting the following should not be recommended as proven therapies for managing VMS: cooling techniques, avoidance of triggers, exercise, yoga, paced respiration, relaxation, over-the-counter supplements and herbal therapies, acupuncture, calibration of neural oscillations, and chiropractic interventions. Incorporating the available evidence into clinical practice will help ensure that women receive evidence-based recommendations along with appropriate cautions for appropriate and timely management of VMS.
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Acupuncture for treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients: an updated meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2016; 24:4895-4899. [PMID: 27497608 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of hot flash in women with breast cancer. METHODS The aspects considered in this study included searching for 12 data bases until April 2015 and consulting reference lists of reviews and related articles. Additional features studied comprised all articles on human patients with breast cancer treated with needle acupuncture with or without electrical stimulation for the treatment of hot flashes. The methodological quality was assessed using the modified Jadad score. RESULT The searches identified 12 relevant articles for inclusion. The meta-analysis without any subgroup or moderator failed to show favorable effects of acupuncture on reducing the frequency of hot flashes after intervention (n = 680, SMD = - 0.478, 95 % CI -0.397 to 0.241, P = 0.632) but exhibited marked heterogeneity of the results (Q value = 83.200, P = 0.000, I^2 = 83.17, τ^2 = 0.310). CONCLUSION The meta-analysis used had contradictory results and yielded no convincing evidence to suggest that acupuncture was an effective treatment of hot flash in patients with breast cancer. Multi-central studies including large sample size are required to investigate the efficiency of acupuncture for treating hot flash in patients with breast cancer.
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Victorson D, Beaumont JL, Mahadevan R, Grimone A, Burns V, Murry W, Gutierrez S, Schuette S, Brady C, Ring M. Acupuncture-Related Quality of Life Changes Using PROMIS Computer Adaptive Tests in a Pragmatic Trial with Oncology and General Integrative Medicine Patients: The Role of Baseline Acupuncture Expectations. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:778-787. [PMID: 27467506 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms and increase general well-being in different medical patient samples. A major challenge in acupuncture clinical research is the availability of comparable and standardized patient-reported outcome measurement (PRO) tools. OBJECTIVES This study used a pragmatic design to examine longitudinal changes in quality of life (QOL) in a medical patient sample following acupuncture using PROs from the National Institutes of Health's Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) initiative. It also examined the role of acupuncture expectancies, as well as patient and provider perceptions of acupuncture benefit. DESIGN Following informed consent, patients completed baseline QOL measures (T1) prior to their first acupuncture session. Subsequent assessments (up to 20) were completed immediately following ensuing acupuncture sessions. Patients completed assessments either on a touch-screen computer at the clinic or from their home computer. RESULTS Compared with acupuncture-naïve participants, those who received prior acupuncture treatment reported significantly higher anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and lower positive affect at baseline. By the second assessment, however, these differences became nonexistent. Participants who held greater baseline acupuncture expectations (e.g., their situation would improve a lot, they would have improved coping skills, their symptoms would disappear, their energy would increase) reported significantly higher fatigue, pain interference, and problems with physical functioning. Between T1 and T2, all participants reported significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Exploratory longitudinal models demonstrated significant linear improvements over time in anxiety (p = 0.006), depression (p = 0.007), pain interference (p < 0.001), and sleep disturbance (p = 0.004). No linear reduction over time was found with fatigue (p = 0.587), physical function (p = 0.654), or positive affect (p = 0.247). CONCLUSIONS Overall, PROMIS computer adaptive tests were able to assess domains of QOL briefly. Although pretreatment acupuncture expectations highlighted subgroup differences in outcomes at baseline, linear-growth models demonstrated the positive effects of acupuncture over time on anxiety, depression, pain interference, and sleep disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Victorson
- 1 Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago, IL.,2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
| | - Jennifer L Beaumont
- 1 Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago, IL
| | - Rupa Mahadevan
- 3 Pediatric Residency Program, Advocate Children's Hospital , Park Ridge, IL
| | - Ania Grimone
- 2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
| | - Virginia Burns
- 2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
| | - Wendy Murry
- 2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
| | - Sandra Gutierrez
- 1 Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago, IL
| | - Stephanie Schuette
- 2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
| | - Caitlin Brady
- 2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
| | - Melinda Ring
- 2 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine , Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL
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Lesi G, Razzini G, Musti MA, Stivanello E, Petrucci C, Benedetti B, Rondini E, Ligabue MB, Scaltriti L, Botti A, Artioli F, Mancuso P, Cardini F, Pandolfi P. Acupuncture As an Integrative Approach for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (AcCliMaT). J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:1795-802. [PMID: 27022113 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.63.2893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for the management of hot flashes in women with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture plus enhanced self-care versus enhanced self-care alone. A total of 190 women with breast cancer were randomly assigned. Random assignment was performed with stratification for hormonal therapy; the allocation ratio was 1:1. Both groups received a booklet with information about climacteric syndrome and its management to be followed for at least 12 weeks. In addition, the acupuncture group received 10 traditional acupuncture treatment sessions involving needling of predefined acupoints. The primary outcome was hot flash score at the end of treatment (week 12), calculated as the frequency multiplied by the average severity of hot flashes. The secondary outcomes were climacteric symptoms and quality of life, measured by the Greene Climacteric and Menopause Quality of Life scales. Health outcomes were measured for up to 6 months after treatment. Expectation and satisfaction of treatment effect and safety were also evaluated. We used intention-to-treat analyses. RESULTS Of the participants, 105 were randomly assigned to enhanced self-care and 85 to acupuncture plus enhanced self-care. Acupuncture plus enhanced self-care was associated with a significantly lower hot flash score than enhanced self-care at the end of treatment (P < .001) and at 3- and 6-month post-treatment follow-up visits (P = .0028 and .001, respectively). Acupuncture was also associated with fewer climacteric symptoms and higher quality of life in the vasomotor, physical, and psychosocial dimensions (P < .05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture in association with enhanced self-care is an effective integrative intervention for managing hot flashes and improving quality of life in women with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Lesi
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giorgia Razzini
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Muriel Assunta Musti
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Elisa Stivanello
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Chiara Petrucci
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Benedetta Benedetti
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Ermanno Rondini
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Maria Bernadette Ligabue
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Laura Scaltriti
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Alberto Botti
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Artioli
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancuso
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Cardini
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Paolo Pandolfi
- Grazia Lesi, Muriel Assunta Musti, Elisa Stivanello, Chiara Petrucci, Pamela Mancuso, and Paolo Pandolfi, Bologna Local Health Authority; Francesco Cardini, Health and Social Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna; Giorgia Razzini, Benedetta Benedetti, and Fabrizio Artioli, Civil Hospital, Carpi; Ermanno Rondini, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Maria Bernadette Ligabue, Civil Hospital, Coreggio; Laura Scaltriti, Civil Hospital, Guastalla; and Alberto Botti, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
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Lin YH, Shiu JH, Chen FP, Chiu JH. Building an Integrative Outpatient Care Program for Breast Cancer Patients in Taiwan. Integr Cancer Ther 2015; 15:343-8. [PMID: 26453537 PMCID: PMC5739177 DOI: 10.1177/1534735415607630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Breast cancer patients may experience various symptoms that affect the quality of life significantly and they seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). To meet the needs of patients, we developed an integrative outpatient care program. Methods. This program provided CAM consultation and acupuncture for breast cancer patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. The outcome measures included Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and patient satisfaction questionnaires on the first visit (baseline) and at 6 months. Results. Forty-five breast cancer patients were enrolled. All patients completed the study. The median age was 53.3 (±8.3). The symptoms most often experienced during previous cancer treatments were fatigue (35.6%), arthralgia (20%), nausea (6.7%), and insomnia (6.7%). The symptoms most wished to be diminished by the patients were arthralgia (22.2%), insomnia (17.8%), and fatigue (15.6%). Thirty-four patients (75.6%) had sought CAM therapy to reduce these symptoms. Fifteen patients (33.3%) received CAM consultation only and 30 (66.7%) received acupuncture in addition. Sixteen patients completed at least 6 sessions of acupuncture. No serious adverse effect was reported. In the SF-12 Questionnaire on all the patients, physical component summary (PCS) was 49.6 (±5.6) at baseline and 44.9 (±7.6) at 6 months (P = .001); the mental component summary (MCS) was 44.7 (±6.1) at baseline and 52.3 (±9.3) at 6 months (P < .001). For patients who had completed acupuncture, PCS was 49.2 (±4.9) at baseline and 41.4 (±7.6) at 6 months (P = .148); the MCS was 45.6 (±6.2) at baseline and 49.7 (±11) at 6 months (P = .07). Thirty-eight (84.4%) patients were satisfied with this program. Conclusions. Our results demonstrated that an integrative outpatient care program of conventional and Chinese medicine is feasible. Most patients were satisfied with this program and the quality of life was improved. It is important to conduct more research to build a model that integrates CAM with conventional medicine in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsien Lin
- Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Fang-Pey Chen
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hwey Chiu
- Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
An increasing number of breast cancer survivors have been using acupuncture to reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment, such as joint/muscle discomfort, hot flashes, lymphedema, fatigue, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, anxiety and depression. Rigorous clinical research has begun to investigate the safety, efficacy of acupuncture in treating such conditions. Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe procedure with minimal side effects. Most studies showed that acupuncture is significantly better than no acupuncture in relieving such symptoms. The benefit of real acupuncture over sham acupuncture in treating such symptoms has not been fully established. Additional research is needed to determine the efficacy, mechanism and cost–effectiveness of acupuncture. Meanwhile, since acupuncture poses minimal risks and carries potentially significant benefits, this medical procedure remains a reasonable treatment option for breast cancer survivors to alleviate cancer treatment induced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Bao
- Integrative Medicine Service & Breast Service, 1429 First Avenue, Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, NY 10021, USA
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Abstract
In a previous systematic review of the worldwide literature of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving needle insertion into acupuncture points for symptom management in cancer patients, we identified only one high-quality RCT that was deemed to have a low risk of bias. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane (all databases), Scopus, and PubMed were searched from inception through December 2011 with no language limits applied. A total of 41 RCTs met all inclusion criteria and were rated. In the current review, we examined 18 trials published since our last report. The purpose of this update was to emphasize important recent findings and discuss how concerns such as blinding, separating non-specific placebo effects from specific needling effects, determining biologic mechanisms and dosing parameters, evaluating determinants of response such as expectation, controlling for sources of bias, and the lack of standardization in treatment and study methods may affect the interpretation of study results.
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Garcia MK, Graham-Getty L, Haddad R, Li Y, McQuade J, Lee RT, Spano M, Cohen L. Systematic review of acupuncture to control hot flashes in cancer patients. Cancer 2015; 121:3948-58. [PMID: 26281028 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hot flashes (HFs) are a common side effect of cancer treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence related to the use of acupuncture for HFs in cancer patients. EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane (all databases), PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus were searched from their inception through December 2014. Included studies had to be randomized controlled trials with a usual-care and/or placebo comparison group that investigated acupuncture to treat HFs in cancer patients. No language limits were applied. The risk of bias (ROB) was rated as low, high, or unclear according to Cochrane criteria. Both within-group and between-group changes were evaluated. Four hundred two items were identified, and 192 duplicates were omitted; this left 210 publications to be screened. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and all involved women with breast cancer. All studies showed significant within-group improvement from the baseline for true acupuncture (TA). One study showed significant improvement in favor of TA over sham acupuncture (SA; P < .001), 1 study found in favor of TA over SA for nighttime HFs only (P = .03), and 1 study found in favor of TA over SA or untreated controls (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively). Between-group (TA vs SA) effect size (ES) estimates for daytime and nighttime HFs were calculated (ES range, 0.04-0.9) whenever possible. No studies were rated with a low ROB. In conclusion, the current level of evidence is insufficient to either support or refute the benefits of acupuncture for the management of HFs in cancer patients. Future studies should provide within-group and between-group ES estimates in addition to P values.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kay Garcia
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Robin Haddad
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yisheng Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer McQuade
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard T Lee
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Spano
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Abstract
Background: The therapeutic mainstays of cancer remain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often associated with serious side-effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture has been used widely to treat disorders in clinical practice for at least 3000 years. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Statement, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are suitable for acupuncture intervention. Objectives: The goal of this review is to analyze the applications of acupuncture for treating cancer and to look ahead at the potential advantages of acupuncture for patients with cancer. Materials and Methods: The PubMed database was searched for articles on acupuncture therapy and neoplasms. The different distributions of scientific papers were analyzed preliminarily. Results: The articles found showed that acupuncture was used to address various symptoms related to different types of cancer. Conclusions: The results of clinical trials in acupuncture have provided important clues in oncologic practice. The evidence suggests that acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for managing cancer and treatment-related symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting and fatigue caused by chemotherapy. As more evidence emerges, the potential advantages of acupuncture in tumor treatment will eventually be clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjun Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences , Dongzhimennei, Beijing, China . ; Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, and TCM Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences , Dongzhimennei, Beijing, China . ; Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, and TCM Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
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Javdan B, Cassileth B. Acupuncture Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2015; 8:115-21. [PMID: 26100064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture may help treat specific cancer-related symptoms. Here, we summarize our clinical trials that sought to determine acupuncture's role in managing cancer-related symptoms. Trials have been conducted to determine acupuncture's ability to mitigate cancer-related symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue, xerostomia, lymphedema, hot flashes, postoperative ileus, pain and dysfunction after neck dissection, and postthoracotomy pain. Published studies indicate that acupuncture versus placebo acupuncture failed to reduce cancer-related dyspnea. Both true and sham acupuncture alleviated fatigue slightly, but no significant differences between groups emerged. Compared with sham acupuncture, our research showed that acupuncture significantly improved saliva production in patients with xerostomia and significantly reduced lymphedema patients' arm circumference in a pilot study. However, acupuncture failed to significantly reduce hot flashes and was no more successful than sham acupuncture in reducing postoperative ileus. Significant reductions in pain and dysfunction occurred in cancer patients after neck dissection. In a feasibility study, acupuncture was found to be acceptable to lung cancer patients and did not interfere with standard postoperative care. In summary, acupuncture is a potential candidate for the treatment of some important cancer-related symptoms. Large clinical trials and research to investigate mechanistic pathways are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Javdan
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Barrie Cassileth
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
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Kaplan M, Mahon S. Hot Flash Management: Update of the Evidence for Patients With Cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2014; 18 Suppl:59-67. [DOI: 10.1188/14.cjon.s3.59-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
Oncology acupuncture has become a new and promising field of research because more and more cancer patients have sought non-pharmacological alternatives for symptom management. While different mechanisms have been proposed to explain its efficacy, including theories of the neural system, endocrine cytokine or immunological regulation, its eventual role has become that of alleviating the side effects induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In this paper, we have reviewed the related articles focusing on acupuncture mechanisms and applications in cancer care to provide a quick sketch of acupuncture in cancer care. A detailed search was performed to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews on acupuncture in oncology, using PUBMED and Cochrane. The search terms included: Acupuncture, acupressure, and cancer. Additional terms were used to target specific symptoms (i.e., breast cancer, hot flash, xerostomia, nausea, vomiting, cancer pain, insomnia, fatigue). Two authors independently extracted data for analysis and review. Ultimately, 25 articles underwent full-text review. Recent trials made efforts in studying (a) hot flashes in breast cancer, (b) xerostomia induced by radiotherapy in head and neck cancer, (c) nausea and vomiting post-chemotherapy, (d) cancer pain, and (e) fatigue and insomnia in cancer patients. Controversial results for acupuncture application in cancer care appeared in different categories, but a trend emerged that acupuncture can palliate cancer-related symptoms. The research to date certainly offers us a valid complementary therapy in treating cancer-related symptoms. Meanwhile, practical strategies with safe measures for enhancing the efficacy are needed in further interventions, as well as continuing research with a validated methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ju Chien
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. ; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hemato-Oncology, Branch of Zhong-xing, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. ; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Branch of Linsen and Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. ; Taiwan International Traditional Chinese Medicine Training Center, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. ; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Branch of Linsen and Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. ; Taiwan International Traditional Chinese Medicine Training Center, Taiwan
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Baccetti S, Da Frè M, Becorpi A, Faedda M, Guerrera A, Monechi MV, Munizzi RM, Parazzini F. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for hot flushes in menopause: a randomized trial. J Altern Complement Med 2014; 20:550-7. [PMID: 24827469 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on hot flushes and other menopause-related symptoms used in an integrated system, including such therapeutic techniques as diet therapy and Tuina self-massage. DESIGN Randomized trial. SETTING Outpatient center. PARTICIPANTS One hundred women in spontaneous menopause with at least three episodes of hot flushes daily were randomly allocated to two treatment groups (50 per group): Women in group A were given diet, self-massage training, and treatment with acupuncture, and women in group B (the control group) were given the same diet and self-massage training, but treatment with acupuncture started 6 weeks after they were enrolled into the study. INTERVENTION Acupuncture treatments were scheduled twice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES Mean change in frequency and/or intensity in menopause-related symptoms were estimated by questionnaire after treatment at week 4. RESULTS Treatment with acupuncture significantly reduced the occurrence of hot flushes and sudden sweating (p<.001). Other symptoms (sleep disorders, tightness in the chest, irritability, bone pain, feeling depressed) significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture in an integrated system that includes therapeutic techniques such as diet therapy and Tuina self-massage can be used to treat hot flushes and selected symptoms in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Baccetti
- 1 Referring Center for Complementary Medicine , Tuscany Region, San Donnino, Campi Bisenzio, Italy
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Hervik J, Mjåland O. Long term follow up of breast cancer patients treated with acupuncture for hot flashes. SPRINGERPLUS 2014; 3:141. [PMID: 25674442 PMCID: PMC4320138 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective Short term effects of acupuncture treatment for hot flashes (HF) in breast cancer patients have been demonstrated in several studies, including a randomized controlled trial, by the present authors. Results for the first 59 Tamoxifen medicated women receiving a 10 week course of acupuncture treatment have already been published. A significant reduction in the number of hot flashes was demonstrated both day and night, for up to three months following treatment in the women receiving traditional Chinese acupuncture. The control group receiving sham (minimal acupuncture) demonstrated a HF reduction only at night during treatment, however the effect did not remain significant during the following 12 weeks. The study was continued in order to investigate longer term effects of acupuncture treatment, and patient’s quality of life two years after treatment. Methods and materials Eighty patients, who had 2 years previously been randomized to either a course of 15 acupuncture treatments or sham acupuncture (control) over a period of 10 weeks, were asked to fill out a Kupperman index (KI) indicating health related quality of life. Results Sixty one women returned KI questionnaires. A mixed models procedure with diagonal covariance matrix was used for statistical analyses. Baseline values between the sham-group and acupuncture group were not significantly different. However scores at the end of treatment and after 3 months showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, this difference lost its significance when scores were analyzed after 2 years. Conclusion Acupuncture seems to have a positive effect on health related quality of life for up three months post-treatment, this study suggests that these effects may be longer-term, however there was no significant effect 2 years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Hervik
- Pain Clinic, Vestfold Hospital, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Odd Mjåland
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Sørlandet Sykehus, Kristiansand, Norway
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Frisk JW, Hammar ML, Ingvar M, Spetz Holm ACE. How long do the effects of acupuncture on hot flashes persist in cancer patients? Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:1409-15. [PMID: 24477325 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acupuncture has been suggested as therapy for hot flashes in women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. In this systematic review, we sought to evaluate the long-term effects on vasomotor symptoms after the end of a defined treatment period of acupuncture in women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. METHODS A literature search revealed 222 articles within the field. With defined exclusion criteria, we identified 17 studies. We also used the Jadad quality score and identified seven studies with a score of at least 3. RESULTS Six of seven identified studies qualified for inclusion in an analysis that measured frequency of hot flashes weighted in relation to number of patients (n=172). The average reduction from baseline to end of acupuncture (ranging between 5 and 12 weeks of treatment) showed 43.2 % reduction of hot flashes. At the last follow-up (mean 5.8 months, range 3-9 months) after the end of therapy, the weighted reduction from baseline was sustained at 45.6 % in the 153 of 172 patients (89 %) who were followed up. CONCLUSIONS Data from six prospective analyzed studies indicate at least 3-month effects after the end of acupuncture treatment for flashes in women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. However, larger randomized trials with long-term follow-up will be needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica W Frisk
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Bao T, Cai L, Snyder C, Betts K, Tarpinian K, Gould J, Jeter S, Medeiros M, Chumsri S, Bardia A, Tan M, Singh H, Tkaczuk KHR, Stearns V. Patient-reported outcomes in women with breast cancer enrolled in a dual-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of acupuncture in reducing aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms. Cancer 2013; 120:381-9. [PMID: 24375332 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been associated with decrements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The objective of this study was to assess whether real acupuncture (RA), compared with sham acupuncture (SA), improves PROs in patients with breast cancer who are receiving an adjuvant AI. METHODS Postmenopausal women with a stage 0 through III breast cancer who received an AI and had treatment-associated musculoskeletal symptoms were randomized to receive 8 weekly RA versus SA in a dual-center, randomized controlled trial. The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) menopausal symptoms questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the hot flash daily diary, the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDI), and the European quality-of-life survey (EuroQol) were used to assess PROs at baseline and at 4weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. RESULTS The intention-to-treat analysis included 23 patients in the RA arm and 24 patients in the SA arm. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. Compared with baseline, scores in the RA arm improved significantly at week 8 on the CESD (P = .022), hot flash severity (P = .006), hot flash frequency (P = .011), the HFRDI (P = .014), and NSABP menopausal symptoms (P = .022); scores in the SA arm improved significantly on the EuroQol (P = .022),the HFRDI (P = .043), and NSABP menopausal symptoms (P = .005). Post-hoc analysis indicated that African American patients (n = 9) benefited more from RA than SA compared with non-African American patients (n = 38) in reducing hot flash severity (P < .001) and frequency (P < .001) scores. CONCLUSIONS Both RA and SA were associated with improvement in PROs among patients with breast cancer who were receiving AIs, and no significant difference was detected between arms. Racial differences in response to acupuncture warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Bao
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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Barba M, Pizzuti L, Sergi D, Maugeri-Saccà M, Vincenzoni C, Conti F, Tomao F, Vizza E, Di Lauro L, Di Filippo F, Carpano S, Mariani L, Vici P. Hot flushes in women with breast cancer: state of the art and future perspectives. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2013; 14:185-98. [DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2013.856271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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