Acupuncture Helps Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

I’m always glad to bring news of a good study reporting effectiveness of an ‘alternative therapy’ – largely because I’m usually skeptical of such treatments. The treatment of breast cancer with chemotherapy and anti-estrogen substances, such as tamoxifen (Novaldex®) and arimidex (Anastazole®), often leaves the patient with what are called vasomotor symptoms – hot flashes, night sweats, and excessive sweating. Physicians at the Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, studied the benefits of acupuncture in such patients, and reported their findings at the recent American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting.

Forty-seven breast cancer patients were given either acupuncture or venlafaxine (Effexor®), by random selection, for 12 weeks. (The patients had to have at least 14 hot flashes a week). The results showed that acupuncture reduced the symptoms as effectively as venlafaxine, but with substantially fewer side effects. The women given acupuncture reported increased energy, an overall sense of well-being, and increased sexual desire. After the 12 weeks of treatment, symptoms were reduced for an additional 15 weeks in the acupuncture patients, but for only 2 weeks in the Effexor patients.

These patients with menopausal symptoms cannot be treated with hormone replacement therapy, because of the increased risk of cancer recurrence. Acupuncture (provided a good acupuncturist is available) would seem, therefore, to be an ideal treatment in such cases.