Abstract Purpose The opioid crisis resulting from its use disorder and overdose poses additional challenges for cancer pain management. The American Society of Clinical Oncology Practice Guideline recommends acupuncture therapy for the management of adult cancer-related pain (CRP), but the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on CRP remains uncertain. Methods This 5-week prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 hospitals in China, and participants with CRP receiving chronic opioid therapy were randomized 1:1 into two groups between December 2014 and June 2018. The true TEAS group underwent 15 sessions of TEAS treatments over 3 consecutive weeks, while...Weiterlesen
Abstract Background In this study, the impact of a multimodal integrative oncology pre- and intraoperative intervention on pain and anxiety among patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery was explored. Methods Study participants were randomized to three groups: Group A received preoperative touch/relaxation techniques, followed by intraoperative acupuncture; Group B received preoperative touch/relaxation only; and a control group (Group C) received standard care. Pain and anxiety were scored before and after surgery using the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) and Quality of Recovery (QOR-15) questionnaires, using Part B of the QOR to assess pain, anxiety, and other quality-of-life parameters. Results A...Weiterlesen
Abstract Objective To compare the effectiveness of acupuncture alone or with additional integrative oncology modalities for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy-related symptoms in patients with gynecological and breast cancer. Methods The study was a prospective evaluation of patients undergoing twice-weekly treatments with either acupuncture alone (single-modality, group A) or with additional manual-movement and mind-body therapies (multimodality, group B), for 6 weeks. Symptom severity was assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane (FACT-Tax) tool; and von Frey perception thresholds. Additional symptoms were also assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality...Weiterlesen
Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on myelosuppression and quality of life in women with breast cancer during treatment with anthracyclines (ANT). Methods Women with indication for ANT chemotherapy were randomized into two groups: acupuncture group (AG) and control group (CG). A quality of life questionnaire (FACT-G) and peripheral blood levels of the participants were evaluated before and at the end of treatment. The AG was submitted to an acupuncture intervention, starting before the first chemotherapy infusion, and continuing throughout the treatment. Results A total of 26 women were randomized into 2 groups: AG (10)...Weiterlesen
Abstract 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...Weiterlesen
Abstract IntroductionBreast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience multiple distressing symptoms. The authors investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of auricular acupuncture during chemotherapy infusion in this population. Materials and MethodsWomen with stage I–III breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled and followed for three chemotherapy cycles. During the first cycle of chemotherapy that participants received after study enrollment, they were provided with educational materials. During the second and third cycles of chemotherapy after enrollment, they received auricular acupuncture. The primary outcome was feasibility, assessed by recruitment, retention, and completion of assessments. Secondary outcomes included symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised Version)...Weiterlesen
Abstract ContextPatients with gastric cancer experience health-related quality of life (HRQOL) decline during adjuvant chemotherapy following gastrectomy. ObjectivesThis pilot study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effect and feasibility of electro-acupuncture (EA) for HRQOL and symptom burden in these patients. MethodsIn this open-label, multicenter, parallel controlled trial, gastric cancer patients who planned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive high-dose EA (seven times each chemotherapy cycle for three cycles), low-dose EA (three times each chemotherapy cycle), or usual care only. The acupoints prescription consisted of bilateral ST36, PC6, SP4, and DU20, EX-HN3, and selected Back-shu points. Patients completed the...Weiterlesen
Abstract MethodsWe performed a clinical, single-centre, randomised and controlled pilot study that involved 33 adult patients with cancer and CIPN randomised into two groups (control and acupuncture treated with 10 sessions, two times per week). Both groups were subjected to a complete physical examination and clinical assessment with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) Scale V.2.0, FIM Scale, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30) Scale and Visual Analogue Scale for pain before and 5 weeks after treatment. ResultsThere were no adverse events, and we found...Weiterlesen
Abstract BackgroundUp to 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer experience abdominal and back pain. Although pharmacologic medications provide some relief, many report inadequate analgesia and adverse effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive physical modality and had been widely applied for pain relieving, yet no study has investigated the effectiveness of TENS for pain in pancreatic cancer. ResultsOne hundred seventy-one patients were recruited (84 to control group and 87 to TENS group). NRS in TENS group has been largely decreased 77.9% right after treatment and 27.1% in 2 hours, before applying any analgesic medication, while that in control...Weiterlesen
Abstract BackgroundCancer-related cognitive impairment is a prevalent, disruptive condition potentially exacerbated by sleep disturbances. The current study was performed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on objective and subjective cognitive function in cancer survivors with insomnia. MethodsUsing data from a randomized clinical trial (160 survivors) that compared acupuncture versus CBT-I for insomnia occurring in cancer survivors, the authors analyzed cognitive outcomes and their relationship to insomnia symptoms. Analysis was limited to 99 patients who reported baseline cognitive difficulties. Interventions were delivered over 8 weeks. Objective attention, learning, and memory were evaluated using the...Weiterlesen
Abstract BackgroundCancer pain affects the quality of life of cancer patients; therefore, various methods exist for alleviating the adverse effects caused by cancer pain. Nonpharmacological intervention is regarded as an important means of auxiliary therapy for drug treatment, with acupuncture receiving the most attention; However, there are numerous types of acupuncture therapies, including acupuncture, wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) and auricular acupuncture (AA). Previous studies have demonstrated that all types of acupuncture therapy can alleviate cancer pain. However, the effects and pathways of different acupuncture treatments are not similar, and it is unknown whether single therapy or combination therapy has better analgesic...Weiterlesen
Abstract: BackgroundOver half of patients with advanced cancer report appetite loss or anorexia. Previous studies have shown the benefit of acupuncture for cancer-related nausea and vomiting, but limited evidence exists for its role in appetite improvement. Our study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of auricular acupuncture to improve appetite for cancer patients with advanced disease. MethodsWe performed a two-arm parallel, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of auricular acupuncture versus usual care control in patients with stage III or IV cancer who experienced appetite loss. The primary outcome was changed in the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ; score range,...Weiterlesen
Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection and its clinical significance. MethodsSixty-four patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (group A) and the TEAS group (group B). Patients in the TEAS group received electroacupuncture stimulation of bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) at 30 min before anesthesia to the end of surgery. The patients in the control group were not given the stimulation. Perioperative anesthesia management of the two groups were performed according to the ERAS guidelines, and postoperative patient-controlled...Weiterlesen
Abstract Chemotherapy causes various side effects, including cognitive impairment, known as ‚chemobrain‘. In this study, we determined whether a novel acupuncture mode called electroacupuncture trigeminal nerve stimulation plus body acupuncture (EA/TNS + BA) could produce better outcomes than minimum acupuncture stimulation (MAS) as controls in treating chemobrain and other symptoms in breast cancer patients. In this assessor- and participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 93 breast cancer patients under or post chemotherapy were randomly assigned to EA/TNS + BA (n = 46) and MAS (n = 47) for 2 sessions per week over 8 weeks. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) served as...Weiterlesen
Autor: Nurhan Doğan, Sultan Taşcı Abstract Context: Dyspnea is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Acupressure is an important application in the management of dyspnea for lung cancer patients. High-powered, well-planned work is needed on the topic. Objectives: The study was conducted to determine the effects of acupressure on quality of life and dyspnea level for individuals with lung cancer. Design: The study was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. Setting: The study took place in the Oncology Day Treatment Unit of a university hospital in Turkey. Participants: Participants were patients in the unit who were receiving chemotherapy and had experienced dyspnea. Intervention: Patients were divided into...Weiterlesen
Abstract This randomized clinical trial investigates the effect of acupuncture vs a sham procedure or usual care for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. MethodsThis pilot randomized clinical trial compared the effect of 8 weeks of real acupuncture vs sham acupuncture or usual care to treat CIPN. The trial protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and follows the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (reporting guideline. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Patients with solid tumors with persistent moderate to severe CIPN (symptoms of numbness, tingling, or pain rated ≥4 on a...Weiterlesen
Abstract 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....Weiterlesen
Abstract 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...Weiterlesen
Abstract BACKGROUND Insomnia is a common and debilitating disorder experienced by cancer survivors. Although cancer survivors express a preference for using nonpharmacological treatment to manage insomnia, the comparative effectiveness between acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) for this disorder is unknown. METHODS This randomized trial compared 8 weeks of acupuncture (n = 80) and CBT-I (n = 80) in cancer survivors. Acupuncture involved stimulating specific points on the body with needles. CBT-I included sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, and education. We measured insomnia severity (primary outcome), pain, fatigue, mood, and quality of life posttreatment (8 weeks) with follow-up until 20 weeks. We...Weiterlesen
Abstract This meta analysis evaluated the comparative safety and efficacy for the addition of Astragalus-based Chinese medicines combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Systematic literature search was performed by PubMed, EMBSAE, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Science and Technology Journals (CQVIP), China Academic Journals (CNKI), and Chinese Biomedical Literature database. A total of 22 studies which reported on 1,409 subjects were identified. This meta-analysis indicated that the combination of Astragalus-based Chinese medicines and chemotherapy may increase the efficiency of tumor response rate (TRR) for the treatment of CRC patients (RR: 1.52; 95% CI:...Weiterlesen
Abstract Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are often used in managing cancer related symptoms but their effectiveness and safety is controversial. We conducted this overview of meta-analyses to summarize evidence on CHM for cancer palliative care. We included systematic reviews (SRs) with meta-analyses of CHM clinical trials on patients diagnosed with any type of cancer. Methodological quality of included meta-analyses was assessed with the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Instrument. Fifty-one SRs with meta-analyses were included. They covered patients with lung (20 SRs), gastric (8 SRs), colorectal (6 SRs), liver (6 SRs), breast (2 SRs), cervical (1 SR), esophageal (1 SR),...Weiterlesen
Abstract Acupuncture and related therapies such as moxibustion and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are often used to manage cancer-related symptoms, but their effectiveness and safety are controversial. We conducted this overview to summarise the evidence on acupuncture for palliative care of cancer. Our systematic review synthesised the results from clinical trials of patients with any type of cancer. The methodological quality of the 23 systematic reviews in this overview, assessed using the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Instrument, was found to be satisfactory. There is evidence for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture for the management of cancer-related fatigue, chemotherapy-induced nausea...Weiterlesen
Abstract Objective The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as maintenance therapy considering the survival of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)patients after first-line conventional platinum-based chemotherapy. Design An open-label, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Four hospitals in China. Interventions and main outcome measures: A total of 106 patients were eligible and randomly divided into two groups from four hospitals in China. Both groups received the best supporting care (BSC). Additionally, patients in the trial group were given CHM every day until the disease became aggravated or the patients resigned. The...Weiterlesen
Abstract BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most debilitating long-term side effects in breast cancer survivors. We conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial to assess the feasibility, safety, and effects of an acupuncture intervention on CIPN in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with stage I-III breast cancer with grade 1 or higher CIPN after taxane-containing adjuvant chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to an immediate acupuncture (IA) arm or to a waitlist control group (CG). Participants in the IA arm received 18 sessions of acupuncture over 8 weeks, then received no additional acupuncture. Patients in the CG arm received...Weiterlesen
Abstract Background Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing symptom that is the most common unpleasant side effect experienced by lung cancer patients and is challenging for clinical care workers to manage. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture on CRF in lung cancer patients. Twenty-eight patients presenting with CRF were randomly assigned to active acupuncture or placebo acupuncture groups to receive acupoint stimulation (LI-4, Ren-6, St-36, KI-3, and Sp-6) twice per week for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in intensity of CFR...Weiterlesen
Abstract BACKGROUND: Dyspnoea is one of the commonest symptoms of lung cancer. Opioids can reduce dyspnoea. This study investigates acupuncture for relief of breathlessness in lung cancer. METHODS: We performed a single-centre, randomised phase II study of 173 patients with non-small cell lung cancer or mesothelioma with dyspnoea score of ≥4 on visual analogue scale (VAS). Randomisation was to acupuncture alone (A), morphine alone (M) or both (AM). Acupuncture was administered at upper sternal, thoracic paravertebral, trapezius trigger points and LI4. Manubrial semi-permanent acupuncture studs were inserted and massaged when symptomatic. Arm A patients received rescue morphine. Primary end-point was...Weiterlesen
Abstract Background To determine the clinical activity and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) combined with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) in patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADC) and the ability of CHM combined with EGFR-TKI to activate EGFR mutations. Methods Three hundred and fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to EGFR-TKI (erlotinib 150 mg/d, gefitinib 250 mg/d, or icotinib 125 mg tid/d) plus CHM (TKI+CHM, N = 185) or EGFR-TKI plus placebo (TKI+placebo, N = 169). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point; the secondary end points were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease...Weiterlesen
Abstract Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause loss of independence and poor quality of life (QoL) due to severe disabilities, but in spite of its importance there is still a lack of data for the management of CIPN. Acupuncture has showed promising results and may be a cost-effective option for the treatment. Objectives To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on neurological symptoms of CIPN and QoL of oncological patients. Methods We performed a clinical, single-centre, randomised and controlled pilot study that involved 33 adult patients with cancer and CIPN randomised into two groups (control and acupuncture treated with 10...Weiterlesen
Abstract It is common for patients with cancers in HongKongseeking ChineseMedicine(CM) therapies as supportive careduring cancertreatment and to manage treatment-related side effects. This article provides clinicalpracticeguideline(CPG) on the use of CM for specificclinicalindications caused by cancerand during cancertreatment, including pain, constipation, and insomnia, and aims to guide local licensed CM practitioners and provide beneficial reference for social medical decision makers and patients. In this manuscript, we summarize the clinicalmanifestation, CM pattern classification, and CM intervention including herbal treatment, acupuncture treatment, regulating, and nursing based on pattern differentiation. Authors: Lam WC1, Zhong L1, Liu Y2, Shi N2, Ng B3, Ziea E3,...Weiterlesen
Abstract Cancer pain is one of most prevalent symptoms in patients with cancer. Acupuncture and related techniques have been suggested for the management of cancer pain. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN®) guidelines for adult cancer pain recommends acupuncture, as one of integrative interventions, in conjunction with pharmacologic intervention as needed. This review presents the latest available evidence regarding the use of acupuncture for cancer pain. It also provides “actionable” acupuncture protocols for specific cancer pain conditions and related symptoms in order to provide more clinically relevant solutions for clinicians and cancer patients with pain. These conditions include postoperative cancer...Weiterlesen
Abstract BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is underutilized as an adjunct cancer therapy. The main study objectives were to determine the feasibility of administering acupuncture as palliative therapy to patients with advanced ovarian or breast cancer and to assess the effect on symptoms and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: This study was a pilot, single-armed prospective clinical trial for patients with advanced cancer to receive 12 acupuncture sessions over 8 weeks with follow-up at weeks 9 and 12. Ambulatory patients with advanced ovarian or breast cancer were enrolled to receive treatments at an outpatient academic oncology center. Symptom severity was measured before and...Weiterlesen
Objectives: The objective of this case series was to describe the experience of the use of infrared thermography to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on cutaneous microcirculation of cancer patients. Methods: The method is a cross-sectional survey, descriptive of a series of cases of a sample for convenience. The data collection procedure had a total duration of 30 minutes, being captured images at different times during the procedure: before the needling (T0); first minute (T0a); second minute (T0b); third minute (T0c); forth minute (T0d); fifth minute (T1); tenth minute (T2); and after 15 minutes (T3) of needling. Body temperature was...Weiterlesen
Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the semen quality of patients with clinical varicocele and their fertility outcomes. Methods: A total of 158 men, with the primary infertility and clinical varicocele were randomized into two groups. The study group underwent a subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy, and control group without operation. Then, each group was randomized to two sub groups; the first subgroups from them (sub group study 1 and sub group control 1) underwent acupuncture treatment twice a week for 2 months, the next subgroups (sub group study 2 and sub group control 2) underwent sham acupuncture. All...Weiterlesen
Abstract Background and Objective: Earthquakes are associated with severe psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current first-line therapies for PTSD have well-known side-effects. Acupuncture is a complementary approach to help patients cope with mental problems after natural disasters and public health events. This article describes an acupuncture intervention conducted by the Lombard Association of Medical Acupuncturists/Acupuncture in the World in the earthquake-stricken area of Amatrice in Central Italy and measures the effect of acupuncture on earthquake-related pain and psychologic symptoms in the victims. Methods: The intervention lasted 5 weeks, from September to October 2016. Adult patients with...Weiterlesen
Abstract PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a complex side effect with few available treatment options. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of an 8-week course of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients who were receiving or had received neurotoxic chemotherapy. METHODS: Randomized assessor-blinded controlled trial with 2 arms; one arm received acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the other arm was a wait-list control group receiving only standard care. Primary outcome was pain intensity and interference over the past week using the Brief Pain Inventory at the end of the...Weiterlesen
Original Titel: Efficacy of Acupuncture Therapy for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Patients DGP – Chinesische Forscher erprobten in ihrer Studie, ob die Akupunktur geeignet sein könnte, um Beeinträchtigungen der Denkleitung zu vermindern, die Brustkrebspatientinnen, die eine Chemotherapie erhalten, betreffen können. Die kleine Studie zeigte vielversprechende Erfolge der Akupunktur – die Patientinnen, die die Akupunktur erhielten, schnitten in der Folge in zahlreichen Tests zur Messung der Denkleistung besser ab. Durch Chemotherapie kann die Prognose von Brustkrebspatientinnen oftmals deutlich verbessert werden – allerdings können mit der Chemotherapie auch Nebenwirkungen einhergehen, die zahlreiche Organe betreffen können. Manche Krebspatienten entwickeln durch die Chemotherapie Beeinträchtigungen der Denkleistung, sogenannt kognitive Beeinträchtigungen. Chinesische Forscher erproben, ob...Weiterlesen
Abstract Background: A natural-killer (NK) cell is a cytotoxic lymphocyte that responds to tumor formation. Electroacupuncture (EA) in patients with cancer, who had chemotherapy, enabled them to maintain their T-cell counts (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and NK-cell activity. Objective: To evaluate NK-cell levels and tumor sizes in patients with cervical squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) after EA on ST 36 (Zusanli). Design: This study was a randomized, experimental clinical study with a pre–post-test, control group design. Setting The study was performed in the obstetrics and gynecology department, Gynecology Oncology Division of the Rumah Sakit Dokter Soetomo General Hospital, in Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia, conducted from...Weiterlesen
Acupuncture can assist recovery following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Chinese researchers included 22 studies (1,628 participants) in their analysis. The results suggested that the addition of acupuncture following CRC surgery improved recovery of gastrointestinal function. Meta-analyses found significant reductions in time to first bowel sounds, first flatus and first defecation, in both the sham-controlled and non-blinded studies. The best evidence was for interventions that included electro-acupuncture at the point Zusanli ST-36. Acupuncture and Related Therapies for Treatment of Postoperative Ileus in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Jul...Weiterlesen
DGP – Akupunktur konnte bei älteren Brustkrebspatientinnen Gelenkschmerzen mindern, die durch die Behandlung mit Aromatasehemmern hervorgerufen werden. Unklar bleibt, ob die Reduktion der Schmerzen durch die Akupunktur deutlich genug ist. Original Titel: Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture or Waitlist Control on Joint Pain Related to Aromatase Inhibitors Among Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial Eine Antihormontherapie mit Aromatasehemmern führt bei Brustkrebspatientinnen häufig zu Gelenkschmerzen, die einen Abbruch der Therapie bedingen können. Ergebnisse von einigen kleineren Studien weisen darauf hin, dass Akupunktur diese Schmerzen verringern könnte. Brustkrebspatientinnen mit Gelenkschmerzen in 11 Forschungszentren untersucht US-amerikanische Forscher führten zu diesem Thema eine Studie durch, die an 11...Weiterlesen
Abstract Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Methods A total of 60 patients treated with chemotherapy of capecitabine and suffering from the chemotherapy-induced HFS were divided into an acupuncture group and a Vitamin B6 group according to the random number table, 30 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, after chemotherapy, acupuncture was given at Băihuì (百会GV 20), Hégŭ (合谷LI 4), Wàiguān (外关TE 5), Zúsānlĭ (足三里ST 36) and Ashi points. The needles were retained for 30 min in each treatment, once a day, totally for 2 weeks. In the Vitamin B6 group, after chemotherapy, Vitamin B6 was taken orally, 300 mg a day, totally for 2 weeks....Weiterlesen
Original Titel: Acupuncture is shown to relieve symptoms of joint pain from aromatase inhibitor treatment. DGP – Akupunktur erwies sich in dieser Studie als hilfreich, um Gelenkschmerzen zu mildern, die Brustkrebspatientinnen unter einer Hormontherapie belasten. Die Behandlung von Patientinnen mit Hormonrezeptor-positivem Brustkrebs erfolgt meistens mit hormoneller Therapie. Da diese Brusttumore in Abhängigkeit von den weiblichen Geschlechtshormonen, wie z. B. Estrogen wachsen, kann ein Hormonentzug dem Krankheitsfortgang entgegenwirken. Die sogenannten Aromatasehemmer sind Substanzen, welche die Bildung der weiblichen Geschlechtshormone hemmen und somit das Tumorwachstum bremsen können. Die Behandlungsdauer beträgt bei Patientinnen in der Menopause zwischen 5 und 7 Jahren, wird aber oftmals aufgrund der damit einhergehenden Gelenkschmerzen abgebrochen. Ist Akupuntkur...Weiterlesen
Abstract BACKGROUND: Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect. Our pilot study demonstrated that acupuncture is safe and can decrease total neuropathic symptoms. However, there is lack of knowledge in which individual BIPN symptoms benefited from acupuncture. PURPOSE: To characterize individual symptoms reduced by acupuncture in patients with BIPN. METHODS: Patients with multiple myelomatreated with bortezomib who developed BIPN grade 2 or above, based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE), were enrolled and received 10 acupuncture treatments over 10 weeks. Self-reported BIPN-associated symptoms assessments were collected weekly at baseline, during,...Weiterlesen
Key Points Question Does acupuncture reduce joint pain related to aromatase inhibitors among postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer? Findings In this multicenter randomized clinical trial of 226 women with early-stage breast cancer, patients in the acupuncture group, compared with those in the sham acupuncture group or the waitlist control group, had significant reductions in changes in joint pain scores from baseline to 6 weeks (between-group difference vs sham acupuncture, 0.92 points and 0.96 points vs the waitlist control group [0- to 10-point scale]). Meaning Acupuncture was associated with statistically significant reductions in aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain at 6 weeks,...Weiterlesen
Abstract OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of compound Zhebei granules (CZBG) with chemotherapy in the treatment of refractory acute leukemia. METHODS In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we used a central (online) randomization system to assign 235 patients to two treatment groups. A total of 118 patients received chemotherapy combined with CZBG (4 g, twice daily) and 117 patients received chemotherapy plus placebo. The clinical efficacy was evaluated at the end of one chemotherapeutic cycle. RESULTS In the full analysis set, in which deaths due to disease progression were regarded as inefficacy, the rates of complete remission (CR) and partial remission (CR+PR) were 32.35%...Weiterlesen
In a collaborative study between Chinese and US cancer centres, the Chinese formula Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (RSYRT, ‘Ginseng Decoction to Nourish the Nutritive Qi’) has been found to significantly reduce severe fatigue in cancer patients. RSYRT is a tonic formula containing 12 herbs: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae alba, Dang Gui Radix (Angelicae Sinensis) Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Praeparata, Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos),...Weiterlesen
Verstopfung als Nebenwirkung einer Chemotherapie bei Brustkrebspatientinnen kann durch Ohr-Akupressur gelöst werden, so das Ergebnis einer randomisierten klinischen Studie aus Korea. Die Diagnose Brustkrebs ist der Beginn eines langwierigen therapeutischen Prozesses, zumeist einhergehend mit einer chemotherapeutischen Behandlung der Patientin, welche die Überlebenschancen der betroffenen Frauen erhöht, jedoch mit etlichen Nebenwirkungen verbunden ist. Dazu gehören Appetitmangel, Übelkeit und Erbrechen, wodurch die Patientinnen weniger Nahrung aufnehmen, weniger körperlich aktiv sind und unter Verdauungsstörungen in Form von Verstopfung leiden. Diese können durch die Einnahme von Antiemetika, Antidepressiva und Schmerzmitteln noch verstärkt werden. Eine zusätzliche medikamentöse Behandlung der Obstipation ist aufgrund der bereits vorhandenen...Weiterlesen
Die Behandlung von Prostatakrebs erfolgt üblicherweise mittels Bestrahlung, Hormonentzugstherapie oder Operation. Ein im Blut nachweisbares Tumormerkmal zur Beobachtung des Krankheitsverlaufs bei Prostatakrebs ist das sogenannte Prostata-Spezifische Antigen (PSA). Kommt es nach einer zunächst erfolgreichen Behandlung dennoch zum Anstieg dieses Tumormerkmals im Blut, spricht man von einem biochemischen Krankheitsrückfall, d. h. der Prostatakrebs schreitet fort. Häufig verwenden die betroffenen Männer dann pflanzliche Arzneimittel, wie z. B. Kräuterpräparate, um die Bildung von Tumorabsiedlungen (Metastasen) im Körper zu verzögern und weitere aggressive Therapien mit unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen, wie z. B. die körperlich sehr belastende Chemotherapie, erstmal zu vermeiden. Somit sind die pflanzlichen Arzneimittel, sogenannte...Weiterlesen
Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) may improve postoperative immune depression in patients with lung cancer, by regulating the balance of T cells and their related cytokines. In a Chinese pilot study, 90 patients with lung cancer underwent TAES (frequency, 2/100 Hz; intensity, 4-12 mA) at bilateral Hegu L.I.-4, Neiguan P-6, Houxi SI-3 and Zhigou SJ-6 for 30 minutes prior to surgical incision, and at 20, 44, 68, 92 and 116 hours following thoracotomy. Following thoracotomy without TAES, down-regulated expression levels of Th1/Th17-associated cytokines and transcription factors, and up-regulated expression levels of Th2-associated cytokines and transcription factors were observed, indicative of...Weiterlesen
Transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) can reduce anxiety, promote rehabilitation and increase quality of life (QoL) in lung cancer patients receiving palliative care. A total of 188 participants were enrolled by Chinese investigators into three groups; a TEAS group, who received palliative care plus electrical stimulation at Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Hegu L.I.-4, a sham group who received palliative care plus electrical stimulation at non-acupoints, and a control group who received palliative care alone, for a seven day period. Anxiety scores decreased significantly in the TEAS group after treatment, while there were no significant improvement in the sham group....Weiterlesen
ABSTRACT Oncologists tend to avoid the use of supplements during chemotherapy. To understand the safety issue, a literature review was conducted to evaluate safety and possible benefits of taking curcumin during chemotherapy. Curcumin was chosen because of its wide use in the public and because of the availability of clinical trials utilizing curcumin during chemotherapy. Curcumin is considered a “pan-assay interference compound,” creating false leads in drug discovery assays. The pharmacodynamics of curcumin presents many challenges for a therapeutic agent, including poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism and excretion. The proposed molecular targets for curcumin include inhibition of nuclear factor kappa...Weiterlesen
Researchers find acupuncture combined with moxibustion effective for the treatment of chemoradiotherapy induced leukopenia. Shanghai Tongji Hospital researchers determined that acupuncture combined with moxibustion successfully increases white blood cell levels and stabilizes the overall health of patients suffering from leukopenia (a disorder characterized by reduced white blood cell levels). The results were verified by blood assays and additional clinical evidence in a controlled trial comparing the effects of medications with acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion produced a positive patient outcome rate of 90.0%. The medications batilol and leucogen produced a 53.3% positive patient outcome rate for the treatment...Weiterlesen
Alternative Medizin bei Krebspatienten Brustkrebs-Patientinnen können unter Hitzewallungen leiden, wenn sie mit Hormonen behandelt werden. Zur Behandlung dieser Wärmeschübe gerät die Akupunktur in den Blickpunkt, jedoch sind die wissenschaftlichen Ergebnisse zur Wirksamkeit nicht eindeutig. Brustkrebs ist die häufigste Krebserkrankung bei Frauen. Nach aktuellen Zahlen des Robert-Koch-Instituts [1] bekommen 29 von 100 Frauen, die neu an Krebs erkranken, Brustkrebs. Die Behandlung erfolgt meist durch die Entnahme des kranken Gewebes in einer Operation. Anschließend folgen oft Bestrahlung und Chemotherapie. Ziel ist die vollständige Entfernung des infizierten Gewebes, der Erhalt der Brust und schließlich die Heilung. Um einem Wiederauftreten des Krebses vorzubeugen, nehmen...Weiterlesen
ABSTRACT Curcumin Trotz des medizinischen Fortschritts stirbt in Deutschland jeder Vierte an Krebs. Fieberhaft wird daher nach wirksamen Mittel gegen diese „Pest“ unserer Zeit gesucht. Die Natur hält die Antwort zur Lösung des Krebsproblems bereit. Es ist schlüssig bewiesen, dass bestimmte pflanzliche Stoffe, die natürlich in der Nahrung vorkommen, die Fähigkeit haben, Krebs zu verhindern. Einer dieser wichtigen Wirkstoffe unter diesen „bioaktiven Pflanzenstoffen“ ist Curcumin. Curcumin ist der aus der Gelbwurz (Kurkuma, Turmeric) gewonnene gelbe Farbstoff. Diese Heilpflanze wird vorwiegend in Afrika und Asien angebaut. Als Gewürz des Lebens ist Curcumin seit Jahrtausenden in der ayurvedischen Medizin bekannt. Conclusio: Bei...Weiterlesen
Objective: Sleep disturbance is a major consequence of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors. This study evaluated the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) versus gabapentin (GP) for sleep disturbances among breast cancer survivors experiencing daily hot flashes. Methods: We analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial involving 58 breast cancer survivors experiencing bothersome hot flashes at least two times per day. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of EA or daily GP (total dose of 900 mg/d). The primary outcome was change in the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score between groups at week 8. Secondary outcomes include specific PSQI domains. Results: By the end of treatment at week 8, the mean reduction in...Weiterlesen
Übelkeit und Erbrechen als Folge einer chemischen Krebstherapie belasten die betroffenen Patienten oft zusätzlich. Wo konventionelle Antiemetika nicht helfen, können pflanzliche Zubereitungen aus der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin eine Alternative sein. Über 70 % der mit Oxaliplatin behandelten Krebspatienten leiden unter Übelkeit und Erbrechen. Oftmals nehmen diese Symptome mit der Häufigkeit der Behandlungszyklen zu und mindern die Lebensqualität nachhaltig. Die pharmakologischen Mechanismen, wie es im menschlichen Organismus zur Ausprägung der Magen-Darm-Beschwerden kommt, sind relativ komplex und erschweren somit eine erfolgreiche Behandlung. Konventionelle Antiemetika zeigen nicht bei allen Patienten die gewünschte Wirkung, so dass auch alternative Behandlungsmethoden im Fokus der Forschung stehen....Weiterlesen
BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the most common complementary and alternative medicines used in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. However, the clinical effect of TCM on survival, which is a major concern in these individuals, lacks evidence from large-scale clinical studies. METHODS: The authors used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a retrospective population-based cohort study of patients with advanced breast cancer between 2001 and 2010. The patients were separated into TCM users and nonusers, and Cox regression models were applied to determine the association between the use of TCM and patient...Weiterlesen
Vasomotor symptoms are common adverse effects of antiestrogen hormone treatment in conventional breast cancer care. Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in patients with breast cancer. Venlafaxine (Effexor), the therapy of choice for these symptoms, has numerous adverse effects. Recent studies suggest acupuncture may be effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. This randomized controlled trial tested whether acupuncture reduces vasomotor symptoms and produces fewer adverse effects than venlafaxine. Patients and Methods Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of acupuncture (n 25) or venlafaxine (n 25) treatment. Health outcomes were measured for up to 1 year post-treatment....Weiterlesen
In the largest, most rigorous study of its kind, acupuncture was found to significantly reduce the debilitating joint pain experienced by tens of thousands of women each year while being treated for early stage breast cancer, according to SWOG research results to be announced at a December 7 press conference at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Investigators from SWOG, the global cancer clinical trials network funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), conducted a randomized, blinded, multicenter trial, known as S1200, to test whether acupuncture is effective in alleviating pain caused by aromatase inhibitors, a common treatment for hormone...Weiterlesen
A pilot study carried out in China suggests that acupuncture may be effective for reducing cancer pain. In a randomised trial, 42 patients with moderate to severe cancer pain were randomly assigned to three different groups. Those in group one were needled at the ‘Four Gates’ (Si Guan – bilateral Hegu L.I.4 and Taichong LIV-3), group two received needling at the Four Gates combined with bilateral Neiguan P-6, Zusanli ST-36 and Sanyinjiao SP-6, and group three received needling at bilateral Neiguan P-6, Zusanli ST-36 and Sanyinjiao SP-6 only. All received seven sessions of treatment over a two-week period. Patients in...Weiterlesen
An American pilot study suggests that acupuncture may have a protective effect on white blood cell (WBC) populations in women undergoing chemotherapy for gynaecological malignancies. Twenty-one ovarian cancer patients received either active or sham acupuncture while undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy. A standardised acupuncture protocol involving manual and electrical stimulation was applied two to three times per week for a total of 10 sessions, starting one week before the second cycle of chemotherapy. The median leukocyte value in the acupuncture group was significantly higher on the first day of the third cycle of chemotherapy than in the control (8600 cell/µL versus 4400...Weiterlesen
Quelle: http://www.healthcmi.com Acupuncture is effective for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by cisplatin based chemotherapy. Researchers at the Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Hebei, China) conducted a study comparing the effects of drug therapy as a standalone procedure with acupuncture combined with drug therapy. Based on the data, the researchers conclude that acupuncture plus antiemetic drug therapy is significantly more effective than using only antiemetic drug therapy. Two groups were compared. In one group, chemotherapy patients received only tropisetron hydrochloride as a means to control nausea and vomiting. In the second group, tropisetron hydrochloride was...Weiterlesen
Quelle (15 APRIL 2016): http://www.healthcmi.com Acupuncture and herbs produce optimal positive patient outcomes for patients with peripheral neuropathy due to chemotherapy. Research demonstrates that acupuncture and herbs alleviate pain and numbness of the arms and legs caused by the adverse effects of chemotherapy for patients with several types of cancer. The results demonstrate that a combined protocol of acupuncture and herbal medicine produces a 90% total effective rate for the relief of pain and numbness. LI4 (Hegu) Needling Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine alleviate extremity pain and numbness induced by chemotherapy neurotoxicity according to research published in the Shandong Medical...Weiterlesen
Quelle (11 JUNE 2014): http://www.healthcmi.com Acupuncture reduces chemotherapy side effects for colorectal cancer patients. New research confirms that acupuncture benefits the immune system and improves the psychological state for these patients. Blood samples prove that acupuncture enhances the immune system’s NK (natural killer) cells for colorectal cancer patients. Subjective testing showed improved mental health scores after acupuncture. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is both “feasible and safe for CRC (colorectal cancer) patients….” The research team commented that NK cells are “a first line of defence against the metastatic spread of tumour cells.” Data shows that decreases in NK cell numbers and...Weiterlesen
Acupuncture and moxibustion may stimulate anti-cancer immunity, protect bone marrow cells and minimise drug side-effects in colon cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to a pilot study carried out in Portugal. Eighteen cancer patients were randomised to either acupuncture treatment or a wait list control group. Patients in the treatment group received six sessions of acupuncture twice a week, beginning one week prior to their first cycle of chemotherapy and ending at the beginning of the following cycle of chemotherapy. The experimental group received acupuncture at Taichong LIV-3, Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-3, and Xuanzhong GB-39, Hegu L.I.-4, Jianshi PC5, Waiguan SJ-5...Weiterlesen
Twelve patients with radiation-induced xerostomia were randomised into real or sham acupuncture groups. Acupuncture was conducted twice weekly for six weeks in a single-blind setting. The effect was evaluated by measuring salivary flow rates (stimulated and unstimulated) and questionnaire-based assessment of subjective symptoms pre- and at three and six weeks post-treatment. Both groups showed a slight increase in salivary flow rates, with no significant difference between them. However, real acupuncture markedly increased unstimulated salivary flow rates, and improved the score for dry mouth according to a xerostomia questionnaire, by 2.33 points versus 0.33 in controls. The authors conclude that the...Weiterlesen
Acupuncture may be a useful adjunctive treatment for reducing fatigue in palliative cancer care, report Chinese investigators. They performed a randomised pilot trial on 28 lung cancer patients presenting with cancer-related fatigue (CRF) who were randomly assigned to receive verum acupuncture (bilateral Hegu L.I.-4, Qihai REN-6, Zusanli ST-36, Taichong KID-3 and Sanyinjiao SP-6) or placebo acupuncture (using a non-penetrating placebo needle at the same points), twice per week for four weeks. A significant reduction in fatigue scores was observed after two weeks of treatment in the participants who received verum acupuncture compared with those receiving the placebo treatment. At week...Weiterlesen
Quelle (10 JUNE 2013): http://www.healthcmi.com A groundbreaking new study concludes that acupuncture treatments correlate to improvements in symptoms experienced by lung cancer patients. The study notes that lung cancer patients experience pain, depression, anxiety, nausea and a lack of well-being associated with either the disease or cancer treatments. The researchers discovered that a minimum of six acupuncture treatments was required to exert a 70% chance of a “clinically important improvement in well-being.” The study demonstrated that acupuncture treatments improved symptoms including pain, appetite loss, nausea, anxiety and an overall feeling of well-being. The researchers note that there is a clinically...Weiterlesen
ABSTRACT Purpose: Acupuncture has been used as a complementary medical treatment for arthralgia and other types of pain. The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of arthralgia in patients with breast cancer who were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Methods: A literature search was performed, without language restrictions, of 10 databases from their inception through February 2014. The literature reviewed included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and clinical trials that compared real versus sham acupuncture for the treatment of AI-related musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS). The methodologic quality of these trials was assessed by using...Weiterlesen
Acupuncture in association with enhanced self-care is an effective integrative intervention for managing hot flushes and improving quality of life in women with breast cancer, according to Italian researchers. A pragmatic, randomised controlled trial compared acupuncture plus enhanced self-care versus enhanced self-care alone in 190 women with breast cancer. Both groups received a booklet with information about climacteric syndrome and its management, to be followed for at least 12 weeks. In addition, the acupuncture group received 10 l acupuncture treatment sessions. Evaluation of tongue and pulse was performed at each session and acupuncture was performed at three common acupoints (Sanyinjiao...Weiterlesen
A UK group has found acupuncture alone or in combination with morphine to be effective for the relief of breathlessness in lung cancer patients. The investigators randomised 173 patients with lung cancer and dyspnoea to an acupuncture group (A), a morphine group (M) or an acupuncture plus morphine group (AM). Acupuncture was administered at thoracic trigger points (upper sternal, paravertebral and trapezius) and Hegu L.I.-4. Semi-permanent manubrial acupuncture studs were also inserted and massaged when patients were symptomatic. All patients were allowed rescue morphine for breakthrough pain. Dyspnoea scores improved by more than 1.5 on a visual analogue scale in...Weiterlesen
Quelle (24 JULY 2015): http://www.healthcmi.com Researchers find acupuncture effective for alleviating chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) for patients with colon cancer. Neurotoxicity from chemotherapy may damage nerve fibers and lead to symptoms including pain, burning sensations, tingling, muscle weakness, balance disorders, paresthesia, dysesthesia, cold or heat sensitivity in the hands and feet, and a “glove and stocking” distribution of symptoms. The paresthesia is often experienced as a bilateral pins and needles sensation. Severity ranges from mild to debilitating. The researchers summarize their findings into three main benefits of acupuncture for patients with CIPN: Acupuncture administered prior to chemotherapy prevents CIPN. Use...Weiterlesen