Acupuncture for Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You can continue taking your current medications for hot flashes if you've been on them for more than 4 weeks and keep the dose the same during the study. If you recently started a new medication for hot flashes, you might need to wait until you've been on it for at least 4 weeks before joining the study.
What data supports the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for hot flashes in breast cancer patients?
Research shows that acupuncture significantly reduces the severity of hot flashes in breast cancer patients, improving their quality of life. Studies found that patients receiving acupuncture experienced a greater reduction in hot flash symptoms compared to those who did not receive treatment or received a placebo, with benefits lasting for weeks after treatment.12345
Is acupuncture safe for treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients?
How does acupuncture differ from other treatments for hot flashes in breast cancer patients?
Acupuncture is unique because it is a non-drug treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to help reduce hot flashes, unlike medications that may have side effects. It has been shown to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients on tamoxifen without causing adverse effects.128910
What is the purpose of this trial?
This research study is evaluating acupuncture, a medical therapy in which hair-thin, stainless steel needles are shallowly inserted into specific points to help the body's natural healing process, as a possible treatment to reduce hot flashes.
Research Team
Weidong Lu, PhD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 with Stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who've finished primary treatment and are on hormonal therapy. They must have frequent hot flashes, be in good physical condition, and not planning further chemotherapy or surgery during the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Immediate Acupuncture group receives acupuncture twice a week for 10 weeks; Delayed Acupuncture group receives usual care for 10 weeks
Crossover Treatment
Delayed Acupuncture group receives acupuncture once a week for 10 weeks; Immediate Acupuncture group receives usual care for 10 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is already approved in United States, European Union, China for the following indications:
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lead Sponsor
The Comprehensive and Integrative Medicine Institute of South Korea
Collaborator