Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Recent Clinical Trials of Acupuncture for Cancer Patients

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Acupuncture and Moxibustion as an Evidence-based Therapy for Cancer

Part of the book series: Evidence-based Anticancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine ((ACAM,volume 3))

  • 1294 Accesses

Abstract

Acupuncture is one of the most extensively studied complementary medicine modalities. The quality of acupuncture research has become increasingly better, due to refinement of research methodology and its dissemination among the researchers. In recent years, many randomized controlled trials have been reported on the application of acupuncture in cancer care. Here we review the studies deemed of high quality (Jadad scale 3 or above). The studies consist of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture on nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, xerostomia, pain, fatigue, mood-related symptoms and neutropenia. The most solid evidence came from studies of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture has been repeatedly demonstrated to reduce nausea and vomiting in both the post-operative setting and the chemotherapy setting. Less strong evidence with mixed results was demonstrated in trials on hot flashes, xerostomia and post-operative pain, where acupuncture has shown benefit in some but not in other trials. There are insufficient number of trials of reasonable quality to evaluate other indications for acupuncture in cancer care. Serious adverse events are rare or non-existent among those trials. It would help our understanding of acupuncture if future studies take a “whole system” approach, taking into consideration of efficacy and effectiveness questions, and further explore the mechanistic aspect of acupuncture.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • WHO. (1990). A standard international acupuncture nomenclature: Memorandum from a WHO meeting. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 68, 165–169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alimi, D., Rubino, C., Pichard-Leandri, E., Fermand-Brule, S., Dubreuil-Lemaire, M. L., Hill, C. (2003). Analgesic effect of auricular acupuncture for cancer pain: A randomized, blinded, controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 21, 4120–4126.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Balk, J., Day, R., Rosenzweig, M., Beriwal, S. (2009). Pilot, randomized, modified, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 7, 4–11.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blom, M., Dawidson, I., Fernberg, J. O., Johnson, G., Angmar-Mansson, B. (1996). Acupuncture treatment of patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. European Journal of Cancer Part B, Oral Oncology, 32B, 182–190.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Capodice, J. L. (2010). Acupuncture in the oncology setting: Clinical trial update. Current Treatment Options in Oncology, 11, 87–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chao, L. F., Zhang, A. L., Liu, H. E., Cheng, M. H., Lam, H. B., Lo, S. K. (2009). The efficacy of acupoint stimulation for the management of therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 118, 255–267.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Z. J., Guo, Y. P., Wu, Z. C. (2008). Observation on the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at pain points on cancer pain. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu,  Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 28, 251–253.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cho, J. H., Chung, W. K., Kang, W., Choi, S. M., Cho, C. K., Son, C. G. (2008). Manual acupuncture improved quality of life in cancer patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14, 523–526.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, H. D., Wells, G. A., Huet, C., Mc Alister, F. A., Salmi, L. R., Fergusson, D., Laupacis, A. (1999). Assessing the quality of randomized trials: Reliability of the Jadad scale. Controlled Clinical Trials, 20, 448–452.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crew, K. D., Capodice, J. L., Greenlee, H., Apollo, A., Jacobson, J. S., Raptis, G., Blozie, K., Sierra, A., Hershman, D. L. (2007). Pilot study of acupuncture for the treatment of joint symptoms related to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 1, 283–291.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crew, K. D., Capodice, J. L., Greenlee, H., Brafman, L., Fuentes, D., Awad, D., Yann Tsai, W., Hershman, D. L. (2010). Randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial of acupuncture for the management of aromatase inhibitor-associated joint symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28, 1154–1160.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dang, W., Yang, J. (1998). Clinical study on acupuncture treatment of stomach carcinoma pain. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 18, 31–38.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deng, G. (2009). Acupuncture for fatigue during radiation therapy: Points made. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 7, 1–3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng, G., Vickers, A., Simon Yeung, K., Cassileth, B. R. (2006). Acupuncture: Integration into cancer care. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 4, 86–92.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deng, G., Vickers, A., Yeung, S., D’Andrea, G. M., Xiao, H., Heerdt, A. S., Sugarman, S., Troso-Sandoval, T., Seidman, A. D., Hudis, C. A., Cassileth, B. (2007). Randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25, 5584–5590.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deng, G., Hou, B. L., Holodny, A. I., Cassileth, B. R. (2008a) Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes and saliva production associated with acupuncture at LI-2 acupuncture point: A randomized controlled study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 8, 37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng, G., Rusch, V., Vickers, A., Malhotra, V., Ginex, P., Downey, R., Bains, M., Park, B., Rizk, N., Flores, R., Yeung, S., Cassiletha, B. (2008b). Randomized controlled trial of a special acupuncture technique for pain after thoracotomy. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 136, 1464–1469.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumville, J. C., Hahn, S., Miles, J. N., Torgerson, D. J. (2006). The use of unequal randomisation ratios in clinical trials: A review. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 27, 1–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Enblom, A., Johnsson, A., Hammar, M., Onelov, E., Steineck, G., Borjeson, S. (2012). Acupuncture compared with placebo acupuncture in radiotherapy-induced nausea—a randomized controlled study. Annals of Oncology, 23, 1353–1361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ernst, E., Lee, M. S. (2010). Acupuncture for palliative and supportive cancer care: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 40, e3–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Escalante, C. P., Manzullo, E. F. (2009). Cancer-related fatigue: The approach and treatment. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 24, S412–S416.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ezzo, J. M., Richardson, M. A., Vickers, A., Allen, C., Dibble, S. L., Issell, B. F., Lao, L., Pearl, M., Ramirez, G., Roscoe, J., Shen, J., Shivnan, J. C., Streitberger, K., Treish, I., Zhang, G. (2006). Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting. Cochrane Database System Review, 2, CD002285.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng, Y., Wang, X. Y., Li, S. D., Zhang, Y., Wang, H. M., Li, M., Cao, K., Ye, Y. F., Zhang, Z. (2011). Clinical research of acupuncture on malignant tumor patients for improving depression and sleep quality. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 31, 199–202.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frisk, J., Carlhall, S., Kallstrom, A. C., Lindh-Astrand, L., Malmstrom, A., Hammar, M. (2008). Long-term follow-up of acupuncture and hormone therapy on hot flushes in women with breast cancer: A prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter trial. Climacteric, 11, 166–174.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frisk, J., Kallstrom, A. C., Wall, N., Fredrikson, M., Hammar, M. (2012). Acupuncture improves health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and sleep in women with breast cancer and hot flushes. Supportive Care in Cancer, 20, 715–724.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frisk, J., Spetz, A. C., Hjertberg, H., Petersson, B., Hammar, M. (2009). Two modes of acupuncture as a treatment for hot flushes in men with prostate cancer—a prospective multicenter study with long-term follow-up. European Urology, 55, 156–163.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gottschling, S., Reindl, T. K., Meyer, S., Berrang, J., Henze, G., Graeber, S., Ong, M. F., Graf, N. (2008). Acupuncture to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology—a randomized multicenter crossover pilot trial. Klinische Padiatrie, 220, 365–370.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hervik, J., Mjaland, O. (2009). Acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients, a randomized, controlled trial. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 116, 311–316.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hervik, J., Mjaland, O. (2010). Quality of life of breast cancer patients medicated with anti-estrogens, 2 years after acupuncture treatment: A qualitative study. International Journal of Women’s Health, 2, 319–325.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg, L., Iversen, O. E., Rudenstam, C. M., Hammar, M., Kumpulainen, E., Jaskiewicz, J., Jassem, J., Dobaczewska, D., Fjosne, H. E., Peralta, O., Arriagada, R., Holmqvist, M., Maenpaa, J. (2008). Increased risk of recurrence after hormone replacement therapy in breast cancer survivors. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 100, 475–482.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hopkins Hollis, A. S. (2010). Acupuncture as a treatment modality for the management of cancer pain: The state of the science. Oncology Nursing Forum, 37, E344–E348.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jadad, A. R., Moore, R. A., Carroll, D., Jenkinson, C., Reynolds, D. J., Gavaghan, D. J., McQuay, H. J. (1996). Assessing the quality of reports of randomized clinical trials: Is blinding necessary? Controlled Clinical Trials, 17, 1–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, M. F., Xiao, B., Hui, K. K. (2007a). Acupuncture and fatigue: Current basis for shared communication between breast cancer survivors and providers. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 1, 306–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, M. F., Yang, C., Hui, K. K., Xiao, B., Li, X. S., Rusiewicz, A. (2007b). Acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction: A hypothesis-generating literature review to inform clinical advice. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 6, 36–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, M. F., Hays, R. D., Subramanian, S. K., Elashoff, R. M., Axe, E. K., Li, J. J., Kim, I., Vargas, R. B., Lee, J., Yang, L., Hui, K. K. (2011). Patient education integrated with acupuncture for relief of cancer-related fatigue randomized controlled feasibility study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11, 49.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kotani, N., Hashimoto, H., Sato, Y., Sessler, D. I., Yoshioka, H., Kitayama, M., Yasuda, T., Matsuki, A. (2001). Preoperative intradermal acupuncture reduces postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, analgesic requirement, and sympathoadrenal responses. Anesthesiology, 95, 349–356.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Langevin, H. M., Wayne, P. M., Macpherson, H., Schnyer, R., Milley, R. M., Napadow, V., Lao, L., Park, J., Harris, R. E., Cohen, M., Sherman, K. J., Haramati, A., Hammerschlag, R. (2011). Paradoxes in acupuncture research: Strategies for moving forward. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 180805.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, A., Fan, L. T. (2009). Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database System Review, 2, CD003281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, M. S., Kim, K. H., Choi, S. M., Ernst, E. (2009a). Acupuncture for treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients: A systematic review. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 115, 497–503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, M. S., Kim, K. H., Shin, B. C., Choi, S. M., Ernst, E. (2009b). Acupuncture for treating hot flushes in men with prostate cancer: A systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer, 17, 763–770.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A., Lekander, M., Hammar, M., Johnsson, A., Onelov, E., Ingvar, M., Steineck. G., Borjeson, S. (2011). Getting the grip on nonspecific treatment effects: Emesis in patients randomized to acupuncture or sham compared to patients receiving standard care. PloS One, 6, e14766.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liljegren, A., Gunnarsson, P., Landgren, B. M., Robeus, N., Johansson, H., Rotstein, S. (2010). Reducing vasomotor symptoms with acupuncture in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen: A randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, doi:10.1007/s10549–010-1283–3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lim, J. T., Wong, E. T., Aung, S. K. (2011). Is there a role for acupuncture in the symptom management of patients receiving palliative care for cancer? A pilot study of 20 patients comparing acupuncture with nurse-led supportive care. Acupuncture in Medicine, 29, 173–179.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, W., Dean-Clower, E., Doherty-Gilman, A., Rosenthal, D. S. (2008). The value of acupuncture in cancer care. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America, 22, 631–648.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, W., Matulonis, U. A., Doherty-Gilman, A., Lee, H., Dean-Clower, E., Rosulek, A., Gibson, C., Goodman, A., Davis, R. B., Buring, J. E., Wayne, P. M., Rosenthal, D. S., Penson, R. T. (2009). Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients with gynecologic malignancies: A pilot randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15, 745–753.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, W., Rosenthal, D. S. (2010). Recent advances in oncology acupuncture and safety considerations in practice. Current Treatment Options in Oncology, 11, 141–146.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MacPherson, H., Altman, D. G., Hammerschlag, R., Youping, L., Taixiang, W., White, A., Moher, D. (2010). Revised standards for reporting interventions in clinical trials of acupuncture (STRICTA): Extending the CONSORT statement. Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 3, 140–155.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mehling, W. E., Jacobs, B., Acree, M., Wilson, L., Bostrom, A., West, J., Acquah, J., Burns, B., Chapman, J., Hecht, F. M. (2007). Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33, 258–266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meng, Z., Garcia, M. K., Hu, C., Chiang, J., Chambers, M., Rosenthal, D. I., Peng, H., Zhang, Y., Zhao, Q., Zhao, G., Liu, L., Spelman, A., Palmer, J. L., Wei, Q., Cohen, L. (2012). Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer, 118, 3337–3344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minton, O., Higginson, I. J. (2007). Electroacupuncture as an adjunctive treatment to control neuropathic pain in patients with cancer. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33, 115–117.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Molassiotis, A., Sylt, P., Diggins, H. (2007). The management of cancer-related fatigue after chemotherapy with acupuncture and acupressure: A randomised controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 15, 228–237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Sullivan, E. M., Higginson, I. J. (2010). Clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of irradiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine, 28, 191–199.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paley, C. A., Bennett, M. I., Johnson, M. I. (2011a). Acupuncture for cancer-induced bone pain? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 671043.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paley, C. A., Johnson, M. I., Tashani, O. A., Bagnall, A. M. (2011b). Acupuncture for cancer pain in adults. Cochrane Database System Review, 1, CD007753.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, J., Linde, K., Manheimer, E., Molsberger, A., Sherman, K., Smith, C., Sung, J., Vickers, A., Schnyer, R. (2008). The status and future of acupuncture clinical research. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14, 871–881.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pfister, D. G., Cassileth, B. R., Deng, G. E., Yeung, K. S., Lee, J. S., Garrity, D., Cronin, A., Lee, N., Kraus, D., Shaha, A. R., Shah, J., Vickers, A. J. (2010). Acupuncture for pain and dysfunction after neck dissection: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28, 2565–2570.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Price, S., Long, A. F., Godfrey, M., Thomas, K. J. (2011). Getting inside acupuncture trials—exploring intervention theory and rationale. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11, 22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rada, G., Capurro, D., Pantoja, T., Corbalan, J., Moreno, G., Letelier, L. M., Vera, C. (2010). Non-hormonal interventions for hot flushes in women with a history of breast cancer. Cochrane Database System Review, 9, CD004923.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robb, K. A., Bennett, M. I., Johnson, M. I., Simpson, K. J., Oxberry, S. G. (2008). Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for cancer pain in adults. Cochrane Database System Review, 3, CD006276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sagar, S. M. (2008). Acupuncture as an evidence-based option for symptom control in cancer patients. Current Treatment Options in Oncology, 9, 117–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stone, J. A., Johnstone, P. A. (2010). Mechanisms of action for acupuncture in the oncology setting. Current Treatment Options in Oncology, 11, 118–127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, E. M., Rodriguez, A. I., Kohn, B., Ball, R. M., Pegg, J., Pocock, J. R., Nunez, R., Peterson, E., Jakary, S., Levine, R. A. (2010). Acupuncture versus venlafaxine for the management of vasomotor symptoms in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28, 634–640.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X. Q., Yu, J. L., Du, Z. Y., Xu, R., Jiang, C. C., Gao, X. (2010). Electroacupoint stimulation for postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy. Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology, 22, 128–131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, R. H., Lee, T. W., Sihoe, A. D., Wan, I. Y., Ng, C. S., Chan, S. K., Wong, W. W., Liang, Y. M., Yim, A. P. (2006). Analgesic effect of electroacupuncture in postthoracotomy pain: A prospective randomized trial. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 81, 2031–2036.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xia, Y. Q., Zhang, D., Yang, C. X., Xu, H. L., Li, Y., Ma, L. T. (1986). An approach to the effect on tumors of acupuncture in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 6, 23–26.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • You, Q., Yu, H., Wu, D., Zhang, Y., Zheng, J., Peng, C. (2009). Vitamin B6 points PC6 injection during acupuncture can relieve nausea and vomiting in patients with ovarian cancer. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 19, 567–571.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1429 First Avenue, 10021, New York, NY, USA

    Gary Deng & Barrie Cassileth

  2. Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA

    David Seto

Authors
  1. Gary Deng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. David Seto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Barrie Cassileth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gary Deng .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gascoigne Road 30, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR

    William C.S. Cho

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Deng, G., Seto, D., Cassileth, B. (2012). Recent Clinical Trials of Acupuncture for Cancer Patients. In: Cho, W. (eds) Acupuncture and Moxibustion as an Evidence-based Therapy for Cancer. Evidence-based Anticancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4833-0_15

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4833-0_15

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-4832-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-4833-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation