Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2005; 10: 14–5
To measure short- and longer-term changes in physical and emotional well-being in women with early breast cancer in a study that evaluated, as its primary outcome, the effectiveness of using a standardised auriculotherapy protocol to manage tamoxifen-induced hot flushes and night sweats.
Fifty women taking tamoxifen received eight weekly treatments using the five-point National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture protocol. Inclusion criteria were ≥6 months’ post active cancer treatment, taking tamoxifen ≥6 months and experiencing ≥4 vasomotor incidents in 24 h. Outcome measures included Hot Flush Diaries (measuring frequency/severity), the Women’s Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and the Hot Flush and Night Sweats Questionnaire (HFNSQ) administered at baseline, and at 6, 10 (end of treatment), 14 and 28 weeks.
Non-parametric analysis of WHQ data showed significant improvements in somatic symptoms, depressed mood, anxiety/fears, memory/concentration and sleep problems. The latter two were maintained at 28 weeks [memory/concentration 21% (P = 0.022), sleep problems 18% (P = 0.046)]. The problem rating factor, derived from the HFNSQ, was reduced by 26% at 28 weeks (P < 0.0001). The primary outcome showed a mean reduction in frequency from 10.52 flushes/day at baseline to 7.23 at 28 weeks (n = 39, t= 5.999, P < 0.0001).
These results support the theory that a standardised auriculotherapy protocol may be helpful in managing hot flushes in women taking adjuvant treatments for breast cancer, conferring additional benefit from improvements in emotional and physical well-being.
Thanks to Dr Richard Ashford and the West Herts NHS Trust Research & Development Department.
