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Evaluation of an acupuncture service in oncology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 September 2011

J Salmon
J Salmon*
Affiliation:
Clinical Oncology, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, Cornwall, UK
*
Correspondence to: Jenny Salmon, Sunrise Office, Sunrise Centre/Clinical Oncology, RCHT, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom. Tel: 01872 258310. Fax: 01872 252641 E-mail: jenny.salmon@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background and aims: Current evidence suggests that acupuncture may provide some palliation of the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments. Therefore, consideration of the potential benefit of the introduction of an acupuncture service in oncology at Cornwall was investigated. This study describes the experience of patients using the service.

Methods: Between April 2005 and October 2007, 107 oncology patients experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, hot flushes, pain, breathlessness, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation or difficulties in coping, were referred for up to 10 weekly acupuncture treatments. About 103 had acupuncture treatment. This observational study utilised responses to questionnaires and self assessment of symptoms at the start (baseline), on completion of treatment and at two months post-acupuncture treatment.

Results: Complete data were returned for 47 participants. Improvement in vasomotor symptoms was seen in 86% of patients presenting with hot flushes. There was a significant (p = < 0.001) reduction in anxiety following acupuncture. The mean difference between scores on the Fatigue Scale (18) across the study period showed improvement in patients experiencing fatigue (p = 0.039).

Conclusion: An acupuncture service for Oncology is practicable and is of benefit to patients. A future randomised controlled trial focusing on the use of acupuncture for hot flushes associated with hormonal treatments for cancer would be worthwhile as these patients form the bulk of referrals and many reported improvement in their hot flushes. A pilot study to compare acupuncture and Venlafaxine for hot flushes in breast cancer patients taking anti-oestrogen treatment is currently being planned. The results of this study demonstrate that acupuncture may benefit patients experiencing anxiety and/or fatigue associated with cancer. A larger randomised controlled trial would more adequately investigate this hypothesis.

Keywords

Cancer and acupunctureAcupuncture and... painhot flushes/flashesnausea and vomitingdepression and anxietyconstipation and diarrhoeaoncologyxerostomiadry mouthdyspnoeaCOPDfatiguequality of lifeacupuncture mechanisms
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , March 2013 , pp. 39 - 55
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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