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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy is the current preferred choice of endocrine therapy in postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients thanks to their improved effectiveness compared to tamoxifen. Despite the absence of increased endometrial pathology and deep venous thrombosis seen in tamoxifen-users, the safety profile of AIs consists of a variety of bothersome side effects negatively influencing daily functioning. AREAS COVERED Besides the well-known adverse effects on joints and bone and the vasomotor system, more neglected and latent toxicity like cognitive problems and vulvovaginal atrophy will be discussed. Concern has been raised in terms of increased risk of fractures and cardiovascular events with chronic AI use. EXPERT OPINION Placebo-controlled long-term studies carefully monitoring these adverse events, together with more extensive research in the etiologies, are warranted.
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