Abstract
Objective
Hot-flashes and disturbed night sleep are troublesome symptoms in patients suffering from breast cancer. Aim of the study was to test acupuncture as treatment for menopausal discomfort in breast cancer patients.
Methods
94 female patients were randomized to three study groups. 31 received acupuncture, 29 sham-acupuncture and 34 had no treatment. Plasma estradiol levels of the patients were measured to rule this out estradiol as cause of the effect. Side effects of the acupuncture treatment were registered.
Results
A significant reduction of hot flashes was found in the acupunture group (52 %) compared to the sham acupuncture group (24 %). Sleep disturbance was statistically significant improved in the acupuncture group compared with the sham-acupuncture and no-treatment groups. No side effects of the acupuncture treatment were registered.
Conclusion
The results of the study suggest that acupuncture significantly relieves hot flashes and sleep disturbances in women treated for breast cancer.
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Literatur
Lee MS, Kim KH, Choi SM, Ernst E. Acupuncture for treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009 Jun;115(3):497–503
Rada G, Capurro D, Pantoja T, Corbalán J, Moreno G et al. Non-hormonal interventions for hot flushes in women with a history of breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Sep 8;(9):CD004923. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004923. pub2
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Bokmand, S., Flyger, H. & Bollig, G. Acupuncture relieves menopausal discomfort in breast cancer patients: A prospective, double blinded, randomized study. Dtsch Z Akupunkt 56, 25 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dza.2013.06.006
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dza.2013.06.006