A randomised trial of electro-acupuncture for arthralgia related to aromatase inhibitor use

Treatment Modalities for Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS): A Scoping Review of Prospective Treatment Studies

Aromatase inhibitors (AI's) are effective adjuvant treatments for postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, AIs are often associated with diffuse joint and muscle pain, referred to as aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS), the symptoms of which are associated with negative impacts and reduced adherence to AI therapy. As more interventions for AIMSS continue to be investigated, a scoping review is needed to survey and summarize the types of interventions and outcomes assessed in studies conducted to date, which may help identify areas needing attention or additional focus in future research. Online databases were searched (from inception to January 8, 2025) to identify 74 reports from prospective studies of interventions for AIMSS pain, stiffness, or interference with functioning. Such interventions were classified as pharmacological (14 reports), complementary/alternative (43 reports), or rehabilitative (17 reports). Included papers required the presence of AIMSS symptoms at enrollment. Several interventions were deemed promising for reducing AIMSS symptoms based on positive results from individual reports, including duloxetine (3 reports from 2 studies), vitamin B12 (2 reports), vitamin D (2 reports), calcitonin (1 report), prednisolone (1 report), glucosamine and chondroitin (1 report), various mind-body (14 reports from 12 studies) and traditional medicine interventions (3 reports), and switching to another AI (1 report). Many positive findings were from uncontrolled studies or were from single studies that await replication in independent cohorts, and no studies focused on structured psychological interventions. The durations for all reviewed studies were brief relative to the expected 5-10-year course of AI therapy. Intervention effects on a wide range of outcomes were studied, including pain or stiffness (70 reports), functioning/disability (34 reports), quality of life (37 reports), mental health symptoms (25 reports), pain self-efficacy (4 reports), and AI persistence (3 reports). However, intervention effects on other important endpoints such as cancer recurrence, survival, healthcare utilization/costs, and caregiver experiences are unclear. The knowledge gaps and limitations identified in this scoping review constitute areas in urgent need of further research and attention.

How effective is acupuncture in treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Although acupuncture is recommended for managing breast cancer-related hot flashes, the level of evidence is limited. With the updating of randomized controlled trials, it is necessary to reassess its efficacy.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of hot flashes in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Up to March 2024, we retrieved data from nine databases and used Stata software (version 14.0, version 17.0) and RevMan software (version 5.3) to conduct a meta-analysis. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool was used for methodological assessment of the risk of bias, and the GRADEpro GDT online assessment tool was used for evidence evaluation.

Results

In total, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involved 963 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The result of risk of bias revealed that the included RCTs exhibited a high risk of bias, primarily attributable to deficiencies in randomization and blinding methods. The results of primary meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture can improved the hot flash symptom scale score (SMD, -0.54; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.24; P < 0.05). However, acupuncture does not reduce the frequency of hot flashes(SMD, -0.20; 95% CI, -0.75 to 0.36; P = 0.48). Further subgroup analyses, including the type of control group and the duration of needle retention, etc. showed different results, highlighting the necessity for further research. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability of these finding. In addition, due to various issues, the level of evidence is low.

Conclusions

Although acupuncture treatment for hot flashes in breast cancer shows potential, the evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture is still lacking due to various factors such as bias risk and significant differences between studies, and more high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of acupuncture.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024531542.

The healing power of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: a systematic review on its effects after breast surgery

BACKGROUND

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation after breast cancer surgery has been utilized for various purposes, but the full efficacy of this treatment approach on postoperative symptoms remains unclear.

AIM

This study aimed to answer the question: Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation significantly impact postoperative patient outcomes in individuals undergoing breast cancer surgery?

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Because of the limited number of studies included, it was not feasible to perform a meta-analysis. English-language publications from 2013 and 2024 that investigated the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in breast cancer surgery patients were included. Electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Wiley Online Library were searched. Two independent investigators assessed the studies using the revised JBI risk of bias tool. Data from randomized trials were extracted by two researchers using the Cochrane data collection tool.

RESULTS

Our comprehensive literature review identified 251 studies. After rigorous assessment, 12 articles met our inclusion criteria. Title and abstract screening excluded seven studies that did not involve surgery, used treatments other than TENS, included acupuncture, or did not measure pain outcomes. Among these, five studies involving 776 patients examined the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on pain management in breast cancer surgery. In all of the studies reviewed, transcutaneous electrical stimulation had a beneficial effect on postoperative pain.

CONCLUSION

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation has significantly alleviated pain associated with breast cancer surgery. This therapeutic modality has improved patient satisfaction with analgesia by relieving pain; reducing analgesic use; reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting; increasing blood levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-2/IL-4 ratio; and reducing skin sensitivity. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices may improve postoperative patient outcomes and enhance the recovery process in people undergoing breast cancer surgery. The results of this study are limited by heterogeneity and the small number of included studies. Future research should prioritize standardization of intervention procedures and investigation of the long-term effects of TENS in postoperative care.

REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the PROSPERO registration system under the number CRD42024523558.

The blinding status and characteristics in acupuncture clinical trials: a systematic reviews and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sham acupuncture is a widely accepted control in acupuncture clinical trials. Given the nature of acupuncture, it is warranted to assess the blinding of sham-controlled trials. Despite the sham acupuncture design having been widely used, the overall blinding of sham acupuncture and the characteristics of blinding assessment in acupuncture trials are unclear. This research aims to assess the blinding status of acupuncture clinical trials and explore the blinding assessment characteristics in acupuncture trials.

METHODS

This meta-analysis included all the acupuncture clinical trials published in English that performed blinding assessments and reported the results. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to April 2024. The primary outcome is Bang's Blinding Index (Bang's BI) and 95% credibility interval (CrI) was pooled using a Bayesian hierarchical model. The study adheres to the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Sixty-four eligible studies published from 1999 to 2024 were included. The mean of Bang's BI was - 0.24 (95% CrI - 0.34 to - 0.14, tau2 = 0.13) for the sham acupuncture group and 0.41 (95% CrI 0.32 to 0.49, tau2 = 0.10) for the verum acupuncture group. The characteristics of blinding showed that 62.50% of the trials had a Bang's BI greater than 0 in the verum group and less than 0 in the sham group; in 28.15% of the trials, the Bang's BI was greater than 0 in the verum group and greater than 0 in the sham group. Subgroup analysis revealed that area, number of research centers, treatment sessions, acupoints number, and evaluation timepoint can influence blinding results.

CONCLUSION

Overall blinding status in current acupuncture clinical trials shows a majority correctly guessing for the verum group and opposite guessing for the sham group. However, in some acupuncture trials, the blinding of sham acupuncture might be compromised. Factors such as the Asian population, penetrating sham needling, and querying participants about their group assignment during the study increase the risk of unblinding and warrant careful consideration in sham acupuncture control design. Furthermore, researchers should closely monitor the blinding status of sham acupuncture and transparently report details of blinding assessments.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023403595.

Acupuncture for Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer: An Umbrella Review

Background

Acupuncture therapy shows promise in managing aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) among breast cancer patients. An umbrella review synthesizes findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) to assess its effectiveness.

Summary

This umbrella review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in treating AIA among breast cancer patients by analyzing existing evidence from SRs/MAs.

Key Messages

Six SRs/MAs were analyzed, revealing shortcomings in reporting quality, methodological quality, and evidence quality assessment. Comprehensive searches across eight electronic databases were conducted. PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE were utilized to assess reporting, methodological quality, and evidence quality, respectively. Despite methodological shortcomings, a recent meta-subgroup analysis suggests the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for AIA patients, recommending a 10-session treatment course.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is identified as a secure and effective remedy for AIA sufferers, yet further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and endorse acupuncture as a viable treatment option.

Electroacupuncture for Pain Therapy: A Bibliometric Analysis and Content Review Update for 1 Decade (2013-2022)

Background

Each year, pain imposes significant economic and social burdens, such as increased physician visits, analgesic use, and decreased productivity. Electroacupuncture (EA) was first used in China and is a potential addition to existing pain-relief approaches. Globally and exponentially, the number of fundamental and clinical studies on EA has increased over the past decade. Most bibliometric studies in this area focus on acupuncture therapy. A prevalent quantitative and qualitative approach, bibliometric analysis scrutinizes published scholarly articles and can be used to assess advancements in specific research domains. Yet, to the best of the current authors' knowledge, no specific bibliometric analysis of EA as a pain therapy has yet been conducted.

Methods

Article data were taken from the Scopus® database with the key words electroacupuncture or electro-acupuncture or electric acupuncture and pain. The timeframe was set between 2013 and 2022 in all forms, regardless of language barriers, resulting in a total of 1592 documents. The results of the data search were then analyzed with bibliometrics and VOSviewer.

Results

This study showed the rapid growth in the study of EA in the last decade. Additionally, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a major journal that frequently publishes articles on EA.

Conclusions

Despite China's substantial publication output on EA, international collaboration is limited, particularly among nations other than the United States and China.

How does pretreatment expectancy influence pain outcomes with electroacupuncture and battlefield acupuncture in cancer survivors?: Pretreatment expectancy and pain reduction by acupuncture

Background

Outcome expectancy is an important component of non-specific effect that may play an important role in pain research and clinical care. We sought to evaluate whether pretreatment expectancy predicts pain reduction in cancer survivors receiving electroacupuncture (EA) or battlefield acupuncture (BFA).

Methods

We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial that compared EA and BFA versus wait list control (WLC) for chronic musculoskeletal pain in cancer survivors. Expectancy was measured by the Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES) at baseline. Pain severity was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) at baseline and week 12. For each treatment arm, multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the association between pretreatment expectancy and week 12 pain severity, controlling for baseline pain severity, age, sex, race, and education.

Results

Among 360 participants enrolled, the mean age was 62.1 years (SD 12.7), with 251 (69.7 %) women and 88 (24.4 %) non-white survivors. Pretreatment expectancy was similar for all groups at baseline (EA: 13.9 ± 3.6; BFA: 13.2 ± 3.7, WLC:12.8 ± 3.3, p = 0.14). Greater pretreatment expectancy was not significantly associated with greater pain reduction in any group, after adjusting for co-variates (EA: Coef. = -0.05, 95 % CI = -0.14 - 0.04, p = 0.28; BFA: Coef. = -0.07, 95 % CI = -0.16 - 0.02, p = 0.15; WLC: Coef. = -0.09, 95 % CI = -0.25 - 0.06, p = 0.23).

Conclusions

Pretreatment expectancy did not predict pain reduction for either EA or BFA in cancer survivors. Our study contributes to the interpretation of analgesic effects of EA or BFA, beyond the notion of a mere 'placebo effect'.

Acupuncture for Chronic Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Patients with head and neck cancer who undergo radiotherapy can develop chronic radiation-induced xerostomia. Prior acupuncture studies were single center and rated as having high risk of bias, making it difficult to know the benefits of acupuncture for treating radiation-induced xerostomia.

Objective

To compare true acupuncture (TA), sham acupuncture (SA), and standard oral hygiene (SOH) for treating radiation-induced xerostomia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, blinded, 3-arm, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between July 29, 2013, and June 9, 2021. Data analysis was performed from March 9, 2022, through May 17, 2023. Patients reporting grade 2 or 3 radiation-induced xerostomia 12 months or more postradiotherapy for head and neck cancer were recruited from community-based cancer centers across the US that were part of the Wake Forest National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program Research Base. Participants had received bilateral radiotherapy with no history of xerostomia.

Interventions

Participants received SOH and were randomized to TA, SA, or SOH only. Participants in the TA and SA cohorts were treated 2 times per week for 4 weeks. Those experiencing a minor response received another 4 weeks of treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient-reported outcomes for xerostomia (Xerostomia Questionnaire, primary outcome) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) were collected at baseline, 4 (primary time point), 8, 12, and 26 weeks. All analyses were intention to treat.

Results

A total of 258 patients (201 men [77.9%]; mean [SD] age, 65.0 [9.16] years), participated from 33 sites across 13 states. Overall, 86 patients were assigned to each study arm. Mean (SD) years from diagnosis was 4.21 (3.74) years, 67.1% (n = 173) had stage IV disease. At week 4, Xerostomia Questionnaire scores revealed significant between-group differences, with lower Xerostomia Questionnaire scores with TA vs SOH (TA: 50.6; SOH: 57.3; difference, -6.67; 95% CI, -11.08 to -2.27; P = .003), and differences between TA and SA (TA: 50.6; SA: 55.0; difference, -4.41; 95% CI, -8.62 to -0.19; P = .04) yet did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons. There was no significant difference between SA and SOH. Group differences in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scores revealed statistically significant group differences at week 4, with higher scores with TA vs SOH (TA: 101.6; SOH: 97.7; difference, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.43-6.38; P = .002) and at week 12, with higher scores with TA vs SA (TA: 102.1; SA: 98.4; difference, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.10-6.18; P = .005) and TA vs SOH (TA: 102.1; SOH: 97.4; difference, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.99-7.23; P = .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this trial suggest that TA was more effective in treating chronic radiation-induced xerostomia 1 or more years after the end of radiotherapy than SA or SOH.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02589938.

Current and future advances in practice: aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have shown great success as adjuvant therapy for post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. AI-induced arthralgia (AIA) is a frequent AI toxicity contributing to non-adherence and discontinuation. This review aims to understand current knowledge of AIA. The mean incidence of AIA was 39.1% and the mean discontinuation of AI therapy due to AIA was 9.3%. Most of the AIAs were non-inflammatory. A shorter time since the last menstrual period and pre-existing joint pain were risk factors. Vitamin D3 supplementation may be a preventative measure and treatment with duloxetine, acupuncture and/or exercise is supported by large randomized controlled trials. There was consistent improvement in AIAs with switching to an alternate AI, and this could additionally allow continuation of cancer treatment with AI. Further research is needed to identify predictive biomarkers, better characterize AIA subcategories and study more reliable therapeutic options.

Feasibility of implementing acupuncture in medically underserved breast cancer survivors (FAB): A protocol

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.

Global research trends in acupuncture for cancer pain: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity in the management of cancer-related pain (CRP). This study aims to use bibliometric analysis to investigate the historical development, recent hotspots and research trends in this field.

METHODS

The Web of Science Core Collection database was selected as the data source for this study to retrieve and obtain literature related to acupuncture and CRP. Data analyses were performed with CiteSpace and VOSviewer to conduct the bibliometric analysis.

RESULTS

This bibliometric analysis was conducted from 2000 to 2022. A total of 664 publications were included in this work. The number of publications has steadily increased over the last 2 decades. The United States has the largest number of published articles (244 papers), while the People's Republic of China has the highest centrality (0.48). The primary research institutions were Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Kyung Hee University and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Mao Jun J. was the most prolific author, while Heather Greenlee was the most cited one. The most productive journal was Integrative Cancer Therapies. The most frequent keywords excluding the search subject were "electroacupuncture," "management," "quality of life," "breast cancer," "Aromatase inhibitor," "neuropathic pain," "mechanisms," and "protocol."

CONCLUSION

This study explored the application value of acupuncture in the management of CRP with bibliometric analysis, offering an intuitive understanding of this topic and revealing the hotspots and research trends.

Bibliometric Analysis of Acupuncture Therapy for Cancer Pain Over the Past 10 Years

PURPOSE

Cancer pain is a common symptom of cancer patients and greatly affects quality of life. Acupuncture has certain curative effects on cancer pain. The aim of this study was to analyze and visualize the current status and research trend of acupuncture treatment for cancer pain over the last 10 years and provide directions for future development.

METHODS

A search of the Web of Science Core Collection from 2012-01-01 to 2022-08-20 was performed to collect studies related to acupuncture therapy for cancer pain. CiteSpace was used to conduct bibliometric analysis and visualization from the perspective of the volume of annual publications, journals, nations, institutions, authors, keywords, and references.

RESULTS

A total of 302 studies were included in the analysis. The number of publications increased steadily with some fluctuations over the past decade. Integrative Cancer Therapies was the journal with the most relevant publications, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology was the most frequently cited journal. China had the highest volume of publications, and the USA contributed most to international collaboration. The most prolific institution was Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The most productive author was Mao JJ, and the most influential author was Lu WD. "Acupuncture" was the top keyword in frequency and centrality. The references with the highest frequency and centrality were published by HE, Y, and Ting Bao, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A stable development trend has formed in this field. The overall collaborative network needs to be strengthened. Breast cancer and multiple myeloma, electroacupuncture and bee venom acupuncture, postoperative pain, peripheral neuropathic pain syndrome, and aromatase inhibitors-associated arthralgia syndrome are research hotspots in this field. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evidence-based evaluations and mechanisms (cancer-induced bone pain) are research trends and frontiers.

Addressing cancer-related fatigue through sleep: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial comparing acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

Background

Fatigue is a troublesome symptom in cancer survivors that often results from disrupted sleep. We sought to assess whether two insomnia-focused non-pharmacological interventions are also effective for improving fatigue.

Methods

We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial comparing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) versus acupuncture for insomnia among cancer survivors. Participants were 109 patients who reported insomnia and moderate or worse fatigue. Interventions were delivered over eight weeks. Fatigue was evaluated at baseline, week 8, and week 20 using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF). We used both mediation analysis and t-tests to explore the extent to which fatigue reduction was attributable to insomnia response.

Results

Compared to baseline, both CBT-I and acupuncture produced significant reductions in total MFSI-SF scores at week 8 (-17.1 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -21.1 to -13.1, and -13.2 points; 95% CI: -17.2 to -9.2, respectively, all p<0.001) and week 20 (-14.6 points; 95% CI: -18.6 to -10.6, and -14.2 points; 95% CI: -18.1 to -10.3. respectively, all p<0.001), with no significant between-group differences. MFSI-SF total scores at week 8 were significantly associated with sleep improvements in both CBT-I and acupuncture groups (p<0.001 and p=0.011, respectively). Insomnia responders demonstrated significantly greater improvements in mean MFSI-SF total scores compared with non-responders in the CBT-I group (p=0.016) but not in the acupuncture group.

Conclusion

CBT-I and acupuncture produced similar, clinically meaningful, and durable fatigue reductions in cancer survivors with insomnia, primarily through improvements in sleep. Acupuncture may also reduce fatigue through additional pathways.

Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of treatments for aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer patients: A systematic review with network meta-analysis

Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) contributes to poor adherence of aromatase inhibitor therapies in patients with breast cancer. A systematic review using network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to examine the clinical effectiveness of multiple therapies and rank probabilities for the management of AIA. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing treatments for AIA in postmenopausal women with stage 0-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer were searched from inception to October 2021. The main NMA involved 1516 participants from 17 RCTs. Acupuncture was the highest ranked intervention to improve pain intensity followed by sham acupuncture, multicomponent herbal medicine, exercise, duloxetine, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, physical therapy, testosterone, and inactive controls. Single natural products were inferior to controls. The current review provides new insights into the management of AIA in breast cancer survivors for increased survival and can be utilized to make evidence-based decisions regarding treatment.

Glucocorticoid Receptor Contributes to Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia by Inhibiting Nav1.7 Expression in Rats With Inflammatory Pain Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant

BACKGROUND

While electroacupuncture (EA) has been used traditionally for the treatment of chronic pain, its analgesic mechanisms have not been fully clarified. We observed in an earlier study that EA could reverse inflammatory pain and suppress high Nav1.7 expression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Nav1.7 expression regulation is unclear. In this study, we studied the relationship between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and Nav1.7 and the role of these molecules in EA analgesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we established an inflammatory pain model by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. EA stimulation was applied to the ipsilateral "Huantiao" (GB30) and "Zusanli" (ST36) acupoints in the rat model. Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining, intrathecal injection, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were performed to determine whether the sodium channel protein Nav1.7 plays a role in CFA-induced pain and whether GR regulates Nav1.7 expression during analgesia following EA stimulation.

RESULTS

EA application significantly decreased the paw withdrawal threshold thresholds and thermal paw withdrawal latency and suppressed GR and Nav1.7 expression in the dorsal root ganglion. Moreover, treatment with a GR sense oligonucleotide (OND) markedly reversed these alterations. In contrast, treatment with a GR antisense OND along with EA application exerted a better analgesic effect, which was accompanied by the suppression of Nav1.7 and GR protein expression. The ChIP assay showed that the binding activity of GR to the Nav1.7 promoter was enhanced in CFA injected rats and suppressed in EA-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that EA exerted anti-hyperalgesic effects by inhibiting GR expression, which led to Nav1.7 expression modulation in the rat model of CFA-induced inflammatory pain.

Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

The aim of this joint guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other health care providers on integrative approaches to managing pain in patients with cancer.

METHODS

The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative oncology, social sciences, mind-body medicine, nursing, and patient advocacy representatives. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2021. Outcomes of interest included pain intensity, symptom relief, and adverse events. Expert panel members used this evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 227 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain. Hypnosis may be recommended to patients who experience procedural pain. Massage may be recommended to patients experiencing pain during palliative or hospice care. These recommendations are based on an intermediate level of evidence, benefit outweighing risk, and with moderate strength of recommendation. The quality of evidence for other mind-body interventions or natural products for pain is either low or inconclusive. There is insufficient or inconclusive evidence to make recommendations for pediatric patients. More research is needed to better characterize the role of integrative medicine interventions in the care of patients with cancer.Additional information is available at https://integrativeonc.org/practice-guidelines/guidelines and www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

Comparison of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture or Waiting List Control in the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Joint Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have proven efficacy for the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer; however, arthralgias (pain and stiffness) contribute to nonadherence with therapy for more than 50% of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of acupuncture in reducing AI-related joint pain through 52 weeks.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted at 11 sites in the US from May 1, 2012, to February 29, 2016, with a scheduled final date of follow-up of September 5, 2017, to compare true acupuncture (TA) with sham acupuncture (SA) or waiting list control (WC). Women with early-stage breast cancer were eligible if they were taking an AI and scored 3 or higher on the Brief Pain Inventory Worst Pain (BPI-WP) item (score range, 0-10; higher scores indicate greater pain). Analysis was conducted for data received through May 3, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized 2:1:1 to the TA (n = 110), SA (n = 59), or WC (n = 57) group. The TA and SA protocols were composed of 6 weeks of intervention at 2 sessions per week (12 sessions overall), followed by 6 additional weeks of intervention with 1 session per week. Participants randomized to WC received no intervention. All participants were offered 10 acupuncture sessions to be used between weeks 24 and 52.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

In this long-term evaluation, the primary end point was the 52-week BPI-WP score, compared by study group using linear regression, adjusted for baseline pain and stratification factors.

RESULTS

Among 226 randomized women (mean [SD] age, 60.7 [8.6] years; 87.7% White; mean [SD] baseline BPI-WP score, 6.7 [1.5]), 191 (84.5%) completed the trial. In a linear regression, 52-week mean BPI-WP scores were 1.08 (95% CI, 0.24-1.91) points lower in the TA compared with the SA group (P = .01) and were 0.99 (95% CI, 0.12-1.86) points lower in the TA compared with the WC group (P = .03). In addition, 52-week BPI pain interference scores were statistically significantly lower in the TA compared with the SA group (difference, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.00-1.16; P = .05). Between 24 and 52 weeks, 12 (13.2%) of TA, 6 (11.3%) of SA, and 5 (10.6%) of WC patients reported receipt of acupuncture.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this randomized clinical trial, women with AI-related joint pain receiving 12 weeks of TA had reduced pain at 52 weeks compared with controls, suggesting long-term benefits of this therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01535066.

Symptom Management and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients Using Acupuncture-Related Therapies and Herbal Medicine: A Scoping Review

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.

Acupuncture as Part of Multimodal Analgesia for Chronic Pain

Background

Chronic pain is a multifactorial condition that is afflicting populations worldwide causing an increasing economic, physical, mental, and emotional burden. Treatments range from medications to interventional procedures to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as acupuncture. This review aims to discuss the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain, proposed mechanisms, indications, and efficacy for various chronic pain conditions.

Results

Evidence is varied on the efficacy and quality of data on the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results in the support of acupuncture for the use in the treatment of cancer, neck, and back pain, functional dyspepsia, and various chronic abdominal pain syndromes.

Conclusion

Acupuncture, deemed well-tolerated and safe to use, has been increasingly studied and is regarded as effective in clinical practice, but its efficacy is limited by the lack of well-conducted, high-quality clinical trials, lower quality evidence, and conflicting study results. Additionally, the exact analgesic mechanism of acupuncture remains to be fully elucidated. Increasing evidence supports the role of acupuncture as therapy in the treatment of cancer, neck, and back pain and functional dyspepsia. Further rigorous studies are needed to fully assess the use of acupuncture in various chronic pain conditions, determine its indications, and optimal treatment schedule. Overall, future studies could benefit from better designed experimental studies, larger groups, and more objectives ways to measure pain reduction and symptom improvement.

Effects of Acupuncture on Breast Cancer Patients Taking Aromatase Inhibitors

Although acupuncture has been used in clinical practice for thousands of years, it remains a controversial treatment option to help alleviate pain in cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed published material on randomized trials of acupuncture from MEDLINE published up until July 31, 2018, to assess its effects on pain experienced by cancer patients. Revman 5.0 software was used to conduct meta-analysis with pain score as the index. The results of nine randomized controlled trials involving 592 patients were analyzed and showed that acupuncture can relieve the pain caused by aromatase inhibitors. Weighted mean difference of worst pain and pain severity was -3.03, 95% CI (-3.90,-2.16) and -2.69, 95% CI (-4.08,-1.30), respectively ( $P<0.01$ ). This led us to conclude that acupuncture has pain relieving effects against pain caused by aromatase inhibitors.

Acupuncture versus massage for pain in patients living with advanced cancer: a protocol for the IMPACT randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Pain, comorbid fatigue and sleep disturbances are common and distressing symptoms for patients with advanced cancer, negatively impacting their quality of life. Clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological interventions, including acupuncture and massage, for pain management in adult patients with cancer in adjunct to conventional care. However, high-quality evidence about the comparative effectiveness and long-term durability of these therapies for symptom management is limited.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We describe the design of a two-arm, parallel group, multicentre randomised controlled trial that investigates the use of acupuncture versus massage for musculoskeletal pain among 300 patients with diverse types of advanced cancer. The primary aim is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness (26 weeks from randomisation) of acupuncture vs massage for pain (primary outcome) and comorbid symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance and quality of life). The secondary aim is to identify patient-level demographic characteristics (eg, sex, race, age), clinical factors (eg, insomnia, pain severity) and psychological attributes that are associated with a greater reduction in pain for either acupuncture or massage. Patients will receive weekly acupuncture or massage treatments for 10 weeks, followed by monthly booster sessions up to 26 weeks. The primary endpoint will be the change in worst pain intensity score from baseline to 26 weeks. We will collect validated patient-reported outcomes at multiple time points over 26 weeks.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Institutional Review Board at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York approved this protocol. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations. Our findings will help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about incorporating non-pharmacological treatments to manage pain for patients with advanced cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04095234.

Effect of Sham Acupuncture on Chronic Pain: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Along with increasing research on acupuncture for chronic pain, the validity of sham acupuncture (SA) has also been argued.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the inception date to July 5, 2022. Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, a Bayesian multiple treatment network meta-analysis (NMA) with random-effects model was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 62 RCTs with 6806 patients and four kinds of treatments (real acupuncture (RA), non-acupuncture (NA), penetrative SA (PSA) and non-penetrative SA (NPSA)) were included. The results indicated that both NPSA and PSA were not superior to NA in improving chronic pain (NPSA: MD -4.77 [95% CI, -11.09 to 1.52]; PSA: MD, -4.96 [95% CI, -10.38 to 0.48]). After combining NPSA and PSA into the SA group, the weak trend of pain relief from SA was still not statistically significant (MD, -4.91 [95% CI, -9.93 to 0.05]). NPSA and PSA had similar effects (MD, 0.18 [95% CI, -5.45 to 5.81]). RA was significantly associated with pain relief, compared with NPSA and PSA (NPSA: MD, -12.03 [95% CI, -16.62 to -7.41]; PSA: MD, -11.85 [95% CI, -15.48 to -8.23]). The results were generally consistent regardless of pain phenotype, frequency, duration, acupuncture methods, analgesic intake, or detection bias.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that acupuncture was significantly associated with reduced chronic pain. The two kinds of placebo acupuncture, NPSA and PSA, have similar effects. Both NPSA and PSA, with a weak but not significant effect, are appropriate to be inert placebo controls in RCTs for chronic pain.

Use of an alfa-lipoic, Methylsulfonylmethane, Boswellia serrata and Bromelain dietary supplement (OPERA®) for aromatase inhibitors-related arthralgia management (AIA): a prospective phase II trial (NCT04161833)

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are recommended for the adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer in both high-risk pre-menopausal and post-menopausal population; arthralgia is the main cause of discontinuation of therapy and affects up to 25% of population on AI treatment. The objective of the study was to prospectively evaluate OPERA® (GAMFARMA srl, Milan, Italy), a new dietary supplement where α-Lipoic acid, Boswellia serrata, Methylsulfonylmethane and Bromelain are combined in a single hard-gelatin capsule to be taken once a day. Fifty-three patients with arthralgia (NCI-CTCAE v4.0 grade ≥ 1) occurring during AI therapy were enrolled. All patients received OPERA® from enrollment (T0) up to sixth months (T3). Patients' AI-related arthralgia was evaluated every two months with VAS Scale, PRAI questionnaire, and CTCAE scale. Primary endpoint was the number of patients with symptom resolution (G0) at T3 if compared to T0, according to CTCAE and VAS scale. Secondary endpoints were decrease in arthralgia intensity measured with PRAI score at T3 compared to baseline, safety of OPERA® and rate of AI interruption. Treatment with OPERA® supplement was overall well tolerated; no relevant toxicities related to OPERA® intake were reported. Seven subjects (13.2%) were not included in the final analysis because of consent withdrawal. 46 participants were eligible for final analysis. According to CTCAE scale, 10 out of 46 patients reported symptoms resolution at 6-month follow-up from the time of enrollment T0 (p = 0.0009). According to VAS score, 5 patients reported complete resolution of symptoms at T3 if compared to baseline starting situation T0 (p = 0.0222). Analysis of PRAI score showed a significant reduction in arthralgia-related pain perceived (p = 0.0001). OPERA® was able to reduce the intensity of arthralgia related to AI therapy. Randomized, double-blind studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of this dietary supplement.

Safety of acupuncture in oncology: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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.

Acupuncture for cancer pain: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline

Background

This study aims to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline of acupuncture in the treatment of patients with moderate and severe cancer pain.

Methods

The development of this guideline was triggered by a systematic review published in JAMA Oncology in 2020. We searched databases and websites for evidence on patient preferences and values, and other resources of using acupuncture for treatment of cancer pain. Recommendations were developed through a Delphi consensus of an international multidisciplinary panel including 13 western medicine oncologists, Chinese medicine/acupuncture clinical practitioners, and two patient representatives. The certainty of evidence, patient preferences and values, resources, and other factors were fully considered in formulating the recommendations. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was employed to rate the certainty of evidence and the strength of recommendations.

Results

The guideline proposed three recommendations: (1) a strong recommendation for the treatment of acupuncture rather than no treatment to relieve pain in patients with moderate to severe cancer pain; (2) a weak recommendation for the combination treatments with acupuncture/acupressure to reduce pain intensity, decrease the opioid dose, and alleviate opioid-related side effects in moderate to severe cancer pain patients who are using analgesics; and (3) a strong recommendation for acupuncture in breast cancer patients to relieve their aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia.

Conclusion

This proposed guideline provides recommendations for the management of patients with cancer pain. The small sample sizes of evidence limit the strength of the recommendations and highlights the need for additional research.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00558-4.

Physical Therapies for Psychosomatic Symptoms and Quality of Life Induced by Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Physical Therapies (PTs) on improvement in psychosomatic symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients.

Data Sources

Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc databases) were systematically searched from the database inception through May 18, 2021.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared acupuncture or exercise with a sham control or usual care for the treatment of aromatase inhibitors (AIs)-related psychosomatic symptoms and QOL.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were screened and extracted independently using predesigned forms. The quality of RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The effect size was calculated via random-effects modeling. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The score of pain was measured with BPI scale and Western Ontario and the McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) scale. Emotional state was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue). The QOL score was measured by self-reported measurements, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scale.

Results

Eleven RCTs (with 830 patients) were included in the systematic review, and data from 10 RCTs (with 798 patients) were used in the meta-analysis. Results showed acupuncture significantly reduced worst pain scores (P < 0.00001, I² = 83.5%) [SMD = −0.81, 95% CI (−1.51, −0.11)], but the effect of exercise therapies was not significant in overall change in worst pain scores (P =0.006, I² = 72.3%) [SMD = −0.30, 95% CI (−0.76, 0.16)]. Both acupuncture and exercise resulted in little to no difference in overall change in HADS-A subscale (P = 0.026<0.05, I² = 79.8%) [WMD = −0.21, 95% CI (−3.44, 3.03)], PSQI subscale (P = 0.488, I² = 0%) [WMD = 0.98, 95% CI (−0.57, 2.53)], and FACIT-Fatigue subscale (P = 0.022<0.05, I² = 81.0%) [WMD = 1.6, 95% CI (−5.75, 8.94)]. Exercise (compared with usual care) was associated with improving overall change in health-related QOL (subscales of SF-36 tool) (P = 0, I² = 72.1%) [WMD = 7.97, 95% CI (5.68, 10.25)] and cancer-specific QOL (subscales of FACT-G tool) (P = 0.304, I² = 16%) [WMD = 1.16, 95% CI (0.34, 1.97)].

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that based on moderate-level evidence, acupuncture was associated with significant reductions in pain intensity, and exercise might improve QOL in breast cancer patients treated with AIs. However, in psychosomatic symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, acupuncture and exercise training did not result in significant improvements.

Acupuncture Improves Multiple Treatment-Related Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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.

Acupuncture for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes

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.

Acupuncture for Arthralgia Induced by Aromatase Inhibitors in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) is the most common side effect of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used in breast cancer patients and is related to the rate of adherence to AIs. The clinical effects of acupuncture on AIA have been assessed by some randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, some studies reported that acupuncture was effective, while others claimed that it was ineffective. To clarify the clinical and placebo effects of acupuncture in treating AIA, we conducted this meta-analysis.

Methods:

Two reviewers (XL and GW) independently searched for RCTs in 5 English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Springer, Cochrane Library) and 4 Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), SinoMed, VIP and Wanfang Database) from their inception to 30 November 2019. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this meta-analysis was performed by fixed or random-effects models, and data were pooled with mean differences (MDs).

Results:

Seven trials involving 603 patients were reviewed. The primary outcome, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) score, significantly differed between the acupuncture and control groups [pain-related interference: MD = −1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−2.99, −0.79], Z = 3.36 (P = .008 < .05), pain severity: MD = −1.57, 95% CI [−2.46, −0.68], Z = 3.45 (P = .0006 < .05), worst pain: MD = −2.31, 95% CI [−3.15, −1.48], Z = 5.47 (P < .0001 < .05)]. No severe adverse events were reported in any study.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for breast cancer patients with AIA. Additional research with improved blinding methods is warranted to further explore the nature of non-specific and placebo effects in true and sham acupuncture.

Knowledge Mapping of Acupuncture for Cancer Pain: A Scientometric Analysis (2000-2019)

Objective

This study aimed to demonstrate the state of the present situation and trends concerning the global use of acupuncture for cancer pain in the past 20 years.

Methods

Searched the Web of Science database from 2000 to 2019 related to acupuncture for cancer pain, and then used CiteSpace to conduct scientometric analysis to acquire the knowledge mapping.

Results

Yearly output has increased year by year, and the growth rate has become faster after 2012. According to the cluster analysis of institutions, authors, cited references, and keywords, 4, 4, 15, and 14 categories were obtained, respectively. The most productive countries, institutions, and authors are the USA, Mem Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Mao JJ, whose frequencies are 196, 24, and 17, respectively. However, the most important of them are Australia, Univ. Maryland, and Bao T, owing to their highest centrality, they are 0.90, 0.21, and 0.09 separately. Moreover, cited references that contributed to the most co-citations are Crew KD (2010), however, the most key cited reference is Roscoe JA (2003). Keywords such as acupuncture, pain, breast cancer, palliative care, and quality of life are the most frequently used. But auricular acupuncture is the crucial keyword. In the cluster analysis of institutions, authors, cited references, and keywords, the more convincing research categories are multiple myeloma, placebo effect, neck malignancies, and early breast cancer, with S values of 0.990, 0.991, 0.990, and 0.923, respectively. Therefore, they can be regarded as research hotspots in this field.

Conclusion

Based on the scientometric analysis in the past 20 years, the knowledge mapping of the country, institution, author, cited reference, and the keyword is gained, which has an important guiding significance for quickly and accurately positioning the trend in this field.

Clinical Evidence for Association of Acupuncture and Acupressure With Improved Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Question

Is the use of acupuncture and acupressure associated with improved cancer pain management compared with sham intervention and/or analgesic therapy alone?

Findings

In this systematic review of 17 randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis of 14 trials in the current English-language and Chinese-language literature, a significant association was found between real (compared with sham) acupuncture and reduced pain, and acupuncture combined with analgesic therapy was associated with decreased analgesic use. However, heterogeneity lowered the level of certainty of the evidence.

Meaning

This study found a moderate level of evidence that acupuncture and/or acupressure was significantly associated with lower pain intensity in patients with cancer compared with a sham control, which suggests a potential for a combination of acupuncture and acupressure to help reduce opioid doses in patients with cancer.

Importance

Research into acupuncture and acupressure and their application for cancer pain has been growing, but the findings have been inconsistent.

Objective

To evaluate the existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for evidence of the association of acupuncture and acupressure with reduction in cancer pain.

Data Sources

Three English-language databases (PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL) and 4 Chinese-language biomedical databases (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang) were searched for RCTs published from database inception through March 31, 2019.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials that compared acupuncture and acupressure with a sham control, analgesic therapy, or usual care for managing cancer pain were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were screened and extracted independently using predesigned forms. The quality of RCTs was appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Random-effects modeling was used to calculate the effect sizes of included RCTs. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, Numerical Rating Scale, Visual Analog Scale, or Verbal Rating Scale.

Results

A total of 17 RCTs (with 1111 patients) were included in the systematic review, and data from 14 RCTs (with 920 patients) were used in the meta-analysis. Seven sham-controlled RCTs (35%) were notable for their high quality, being judged to have a low risk of bias for all of their domains, and showed that real (compared with sham) acupuncture was associated with reduced pain intensity (mean difference [MD], −1.38 points; 95% CI, −2.13 to −0.64 points; I² = 81%). A favorable association was also seen when acupuncture and acupressure were combined with analgesic therapy in 6 RCTs for reducing pain intensity (MD, −1.44 points; 95% CI, −1.98 to −0.89; I² = 92%) and in 2 RCTs for reducing opioid dose (MD, −30.00 mg morphine equivalent daily dose; 95% CI, −37.5 mg to −22.5 mg). The evidence grade was moderate because of the substantial heterogeneity among studies.

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture and/or acupressure was significantly associated with reduced cancer pain and decreased use of analgesics, although the evidence level was moderate. This finding suggests that more rigorous trials are needed to identify the association of acupuncture and acupressure with specific types of cancer pain and to integrate such evidence into clinical care to reduce opioid use.

Acupuncture for Cancer Pain - An Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer Pain Relief

As current pain management methods cannot effectively control pain among cancer patients, acupuncture has developed as an adjuvant therapy for cancer pain relief. However, the efficacy of acupuncture in treating cancer pain remains controversial. Here, we briefly introduced the development of pain management, analgesic mechanisms, and acupuncture methods. Meanwhile, a comprehensive overview of acupuncture programs was provided in terms of different cancer types, sources, and degrees. Interestingly, acupuncture can treat both tumor-induced pain and therapy-induced pain well among cancer patients. We preliminarily summarized frequently-used acupoints for different types of cancer pain and found that needle retention time was mostly 30 min, and treatment cycle was two weeks. Additionally, clinicians consistently selected Ashi acupoint or bilateral Zusanli acupoint and combined multiple acupuncture methods for different degrees of cancer pain.

Oncology Acupuncture: Precision Medicine Meets Patient-Centered Care

The Precision Medicine Initiative of 2015, together with a growing focus on patient-centered care, has challenged the U.S. health care system to provide the correct treatment to the correct individual patient rather than to a collective population. This demonstrates that acupuncture-with its history as an individualized therapy and with growing evidence-based clinical findings-is the ideal model for personalized medicine within oncology care. The current author and colleagues used previously conducted oncology acupuncture trials for pain, hot flashes, and insomnia to demonstrate that precise delivery of acupuncture might depend on a patient's genetics. Individual preferences and perceived evidence surrounding treatments might also factor into patient treatment choices. Further effectiveness evidence comparing acupuncture to drugs or cognitive-behavioral therapy provides insight on the relative benefit or harm of each treatment, which, in turn, can help clinicians and patients to choose the best treatment plans centered on patients' goals. To advance precision oncology acupuncture research, appropriate biomarkers and psychologic attributes should be incorporated into adequately powered and well-designed clinical trials to evaluate how acupuncture can be delivered to the correct patients.

Aromatase Inhibitors-Induced Musculoskeletal Disorders: Current Knowledge on Clinical and Molecular Aspects

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have radically changed the prognosis of hormone receptor positive breast cancer (BC) in post-menopausal women, and are a mainstay of the adjuvant therapy for BC after surgery in place of, or following, Tamoxifen. However, AIs aren't side effect-free; frequent adverse events involve the musculoskeletal system, in the form of bone loss, AI-associated arthralgia (AIA) syndrome and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In this narrative review, we reported the main clinical features of these three detrimental conditions, their influence on therapy adherence, the possible underlying molecular mechanisms and the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The best-known form is the AIs-induced osteoporosis, whose molecular pathway and therapeutic possibilities were extensively investigated in the last decade. AIA syndrome is a high prevalent joint pain disorder which often determines a premature discontinuation of the therapy. Several points still need to be clarified, as a universally accepted diagnostic definition, the pathogenetic mechanisms and satisfactory management strategies. The association of AIs therapy with autoimmune diseases is of the utmost interest. The related literature has been recently expanded, but many issues remain to be explored, the first being the molecular mechanisms.

Integrative Medicine Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Patients

Pain management for cancer patients should include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Integrative medicine therapies, such as mind-body practice, acupuncture, massage therapy, and music therapy, have been studied for their roles in pain management. Data from randomized controlled trials support the effect of hypnosis, acupuncture, and music therapy in reduction of pain. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, qigong, and massage therapy, although may not reduce pain per se, can relieve anxiety and mood changes, which are commonly associated with pain. In clinical practice, one should also consider burdens and risks to patients, patient preference, and the presence or absence of better alternatives when making decisions on whether an integrative medicine therapy is of clinical value.

Acupuncture for Hormone Therapy-Related Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis

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.

Personalized electro-acupuncture versus auricular-acupuncture comparative effectiveness (PEACE): A protocol of a randomized controlled trial for chronic musculoskeletal pain in cancer survivors

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability and remains under-treated in nearly half of patients with cancer. The opioid crisis has highlighted an urgent public health need for effective nonpharmacological pain management. Electroacupuncture (EA) and Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) represent nonpharmacological modalities used in clinical practice to manage pain; however, their effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated in oncology settings.

METHODS

We describe the design of a 3-arm, parallel, single-center, multisite randomized controlled trial that investigates EA and BFA versus usual-care wait-list control (WLC) for chronic musculoskeletal pain among 360 patients with diverse cancer types across various stages. The primary aim is to compare effects of EA and BFA versus WLC on pain, physical function, and co-morbid symptoms. The secondary aim is to examine the interaction between patient outcome expectancy and acupuncture modality (EA vs BFA) on pain reduction. The tertiary aim is to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms and responses to acupuncture. Patients will be randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to EA:BFA:WLC. Acupuncture groups will receive weekly treatments over 10 weeks. WLC will receive usual care over the same evaluation period as the acupuncture groups. The primary endpoint will be the change in average pain intensity score from baseline to week 12. We will collect validated patient-reported outcomes and blood/saliva samples at multiple timepoints over 24 weeks.

DISCUSSION

Our findings will advance nonpharmacological pain management in oncology and inform personalized treatment approaches that integrate individuals' expectations and genetic biomarkers to deliver "precision" acupuncture to cancer patients with chronic pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02979574.

Effect of complementary and alternative medicine interventions on cancer related pain among breast cancer patients: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CAM interventions for cancer-related pain in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE) were searched from January 1, 2000, up to April 31, 2019, using the keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine therapies and cancer related pain. Standard tools were used to evaluate the quality of the studies included.

RESULTS

Of the 3742 articles found, 46 articles comprising 3685 participants entered the final phase. Our results indicate that interventions including acupuncture/acupressure, tai chi/qi gong, hypnosis, meditation, music therapy, yoga, massage, reflexology, and Reiki improve cancer-related pain in breast cancer patients. However, aromatherapy had no effect on the same.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the positive effect of various CAM interventions in reducing cancer-related pain, necessary precautions should be adopted to use them alongside other treatments to control cancer pain in the clinical setting.

Effect of True and Sham Acupuncture on Radiation-Induced Xerostomia Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Radiation-induced xerostomia (RIX) is a common, often debilitating, adverse effect of radiation therapy among patients with head and neck cancer. Quality of life can be severely affected, and current treatments have limited benefit.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if acupuncture can prevent RIX in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This 2-center, phase 3, randomized clinical trial compared a standard care control (SCC) with true acupuncture (TA) and sham acupuncture (SA) among patients with oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were undergoing radiation therapy in comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and China. Patients were enrolled between December 16, 2011, and July 7, 2015. Final follow-up was August 15, 2016. Analyses were conducted February 1 through 28, 2019.

INTERVENTION

Either TA or SA using a validated acupuncture placebo device was performed 3 times per week during a 6- to 7-week course of radiation therapy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was RIX, as determined by the Xerostomia Questionnaire in which a higher score indicates worse RIX, for combined institutions 1 year after radiation therapy ended. Secondary outcomes included incidence of clinically significant xerostomia (score >30), salivary flow, quality of life, salivary constituents, and role of baseline expectancy related to acupuncture on outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 399 patients randomized, 339 were included in the final analysis (mean [SD] age, 51.3 [11.7] years; age range, 21-79 years; 258 [77.6%] men), including 112 patients in the TA group, 115 patients in the SA group, and 112 patients in the SCC group. For the primary aim, the adjusted least square mean (SD) xerostomia score in the TA group (26.6 [17.7]) was significantly lower than in the SCC group (34.8 [18.7]) (P = .001; effect size = -0.44) and marginally lower but not statistically significant different from the SA group (31.3 [18.6]) (P = .06; effect size = -0.26). Incidence of clinically significant xerostomia 1 year after radiation therapy ended followed a similar pattern, with 38 patients in the TA group (34.6%), 54 patients in the SA group (47.8%), and 60 patients in the SCC group (55.1%) experiencing clinically significant xerostomia (P = .009). Post hoc comparisons revealed a significant difference between the TA and SCC groups at both institutions, but TA was significantly different from SA only at Fudan University Cancer Center, Shanghai, China (estimated difference [SE]: TA vs SCC, -9.9 [2.5]; P < .001; SA vs SCC, -1.7 [2.5]; P = .50; TA vs SA, -8.2 [2.5]; P = .001), and SA was significantly different from SCC only at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (estimated difference [SE]: TA vs SCC, -8.1 [3.4]; P = .016; SA vs SCC, -10.5 [3.3]; P = .002; TA vs SA, 2.4 [3.2]; P = .45).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This randomized clinical trial found that TA resulted in significantly fewer and less severe RIX symptoms 1 year after treatment vs SCC. However, further studies are needed to confirm clinical relevance and generalizability of this finding and to evaluate inconsistencies in response to sham acupuncture between patients in the United States and China.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01266044.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Group Acupuncture for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Among Diverse Safety Net Patients

OBJECTIVE

Existing pharmacologic approaches for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) are limited in efficacy and have side effects. We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of group acupuncture for PDN.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We randomized patients with PDN from a public safety net hospital to 1) usual care, 2) usual care plus 12 weeks of group acupuncture once weekly, or 3) usual care plus 12 weeks of group acupuncture twice weekly.

METHODS

The primary outcome was change in weekly pain intensity (daily 0-10 numerical rating scale [NRS] averaged over seven days) from baseline to week 12. We also assessed health-related quality of life and related symptoms at baseline and weeks 6, 12, and 18.

RESULTS

We enrolled 40 patients with PDN (baseline pain = 5.3). Among participants randomized to acupuncture, 92% attended at least one treatment (mean treatments = 10.1). We observed no significant differences between once- vs twice-weekly acupuncture and combined those groups for the main analyses. Compared with usual care, participants randomized to acupuncture experienced greater decreases in pain during the 12-week intervention period (between-group differences from baseline = -2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.01 to -1.10), but benefits were not maintained after acupuncture ended (baseline to week 18 = -0.61, 95% CI = -1.46 to 0.24). Quality of life improved for acupuncture participants (baseline to week 12 difference = 11.79, 95% CI = 1.92 to 21.66), but group differences were not significant compared with usual care (25.58, 95% CI = -3.90 to 55.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Group acupuncture is feasible and acceptable among linguistically and racially diverse safety net patients. Findings suggest clinically relevant reduction in pain from PDN and quality of life improvements associated with acupuncture, with no differences based on frequency.

Joint pain and falls among women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors

PURPOSE

Arthralgia is common among women with breast cancer on adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. Pain is associated with falls in the general population; however, little is known about the relationship between arthralgia and falls among AI users. Our objective was to determine whether joint pain severity and interference predict future falls.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of postmenopausal women with stage I-III estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who were prescribed a third-generation AI. Arthralgia symptoms were measured at baseline using a modified version of the Brief Pain Inventory. Fall occurrence was obtained at 24-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 667 participants (median age 63 years, interquartile range 57-69 years), 232 (35%, 95% CI 31 to 39%) reported falls 12-24 months after baseline. Among women who fell, 65 (28%) reported seeking medical assistance. After controlling for multiple fall risk factors, we found significant non-linear associations between baseline joint pain severity and risk of falls (p = 0.001). Women with joint pain severity scores ≥ 4 had a more than twofold increase in fall risk compared to those without pain (41% vs. 20%). We observed a similar relationship for pain interference and fall risk (p < 0.001). Fewer than half of participants reported having been asked about falls in the past 12 months by their primary care physician (44%) or oncologist (36%).

CONCLUSION

Joint pain increases the risk of falls among women with breast cancer on adjuvant AI therapy. Health care providers should evaluate and manage arthralgia symptoms and implement fall-prevention strategies for those who are at increased risk.

Strategies of complementary and integrative therapies in cancer-related pain-attaining exhaustive cancer pain management

PURPOSE

Complementary integrative therapies (CITs) correspond to growing demand in patients with cancer-related pain. This demand needs to be considered alongside pharmaceutical and/or interventional therapies. CITs can be used to cover certain specific pain-related characteristics. The objective of this review is to present the options for CITs that could be used within dynamic, multidisciplinary, and personalized management, leading to an integrative oncology approach.

METHODS

Critical reflection based on literature analysis and clinical practice.

RESULTS

Most CITs only showed trends in efficacy as cancer pain was mainly a secondary endpoint, or populations were restricted. Physical therapy has demonstrated efficacy in motion and pain, in some specific cancers (head and neck or breast cancers) or in treatments sequelae (lymphedema). In cancer survivors, higher levels of physical activity decrease pain intensity. Due to the multimorphism of cancer pain, certain mind-body therapies acting on anxiety, stress, depression, or mood disturbances (such as massage, acupuncture, healing touch, hypnosis, and music therapy) are efficient on cancer pain. Other mind-body therapies have shown trends in reducing the severity of cancer pain and improving other parameters, and they include education (with coping skills training), yoga, tai chi/qigong, guided imagery, virtual reality, and cognitive-behavioral therapy alone or combined. The outcome sustainability of most CITs is still questioned.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality clinical trials should be conducted with CITs, as their efficacy on pain is mainly based on efficacy trends in pain severity, professional judgment, and patient preferences. Finally, the implementation of CITs requires an interdisciplinary team approach to offer optimal, personalized, cancer pain management.

Mind-Body Interventions in the Management of Chronic Cancer Pain

OBJECTIVES

To describe mind-body interventions used in the management of chronic cancer pain including their mechanisms of action, dosing, and delivery methods based on available evidence to date.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed publications.

CONCLUSION

Further high-quality research is needed to establish the effectiveness and mechanisms of actions for mind-body interventions in chronic cancer pain management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Mind-body interventions for chronic cancer pain management are generally safe and well-accepted by individuals with cancer. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about these interventions to explain their level of effectiveness and any safety issues with patients.

Acupuncture and Vitamin D for the Management of Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) is a very common syndrome which significantly affects breast cancer survivors' quality of life, and it often leads to non-compliance with aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. However, the treatment of AIA remains a clinical challenge. Here, we will review the current data for acupuncture and vitamin D in the management of AIA.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acupuncture has been shown to improve AIA symptoms, but it has not consistently been proven to offer significantly more clinical benefit than sham acupuncture. Similarly, while some vitamin D trials have shown benefit, the studies have not consistently shown improvement in AIA symptoms. Neither acupuncture nor vitamin D can be touted as standard treatments for AIA. However, many patients do experience subjective improvement of their symptoms with these therapies. When other treatments, such as exercise and duloxetine, are not feasible or not effective, it is reasonable to offer a trial of acupuncture or vitamin D to patients who are suffering from AIA, as the potential harms are very few, and they do offer possible relief from AIA symptoms.

Clinical Benefits of Acupuncture for the Reduction of Hormone Therapy-Related Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

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.

Acupuncture for symptoms management in Korean breast cancer survivors: a prospective pilot study

Background:

There is an unmet need for effective treatment of the various treatment-related symptoms experienced by breast cancer survivors. These symptoms could be alleviated by acupuncture. Although several lines of evidence in Western countries suggest that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on symptoms in breast cancer survivors, few relevant studies have been conducted in Korean patients. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of acupuncture for a variety of treatment-related symptoms in Korean breast cancer survivors.

Method:

From October 2015 to March 2016, we recruited patients who had undergone treatment for breast cancer and subsequently reported symptoms, including aromatase inhibitor-related knee pain, vasomotor symptoms, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and post-mastectomy pain in the chest wall or shoulder. The women received 4 weeks of symptom-specific acupuncture followed by a further 4 weeks of follow-up to evaluate the feasibility of acupuncture for this indication, and its impact on common and symptom-specific outcome variables.

Results:

Eight study participants were recruited over a period of 6 months, six of whom completed the planned acupuncture treatment and follow-up assessments. A total of 78 acupuncture sessions were performed. We found that acupuncture was feasible, with only six minor self-limiting acupuncture-related adverse events. Most of the women felt that they had benefitted from participation in the study. The preliminary analysis indicated improvement in common symptom-specific outcomes.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that acupuncture is feasible, but low recruitment rates should be considered when considering future acupuncture research in Korean breast cancer survivors. Rigorous evaluation of this symptomatic treatment strategy is now needed in the Korean population.