A study by UK researchers has found acupuncture to be effective at managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Three hundred and two breast cancer patients participated in a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial that compared acupuncture with enhanced usual care. Acupuncture treatment was given once a week for six weeks using three pairs of points (Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Hegu L.I.-4). The enhanced usual care group received usual care plus a booklet with information about fatigue management. Those who received acupuncture showed significant improvements in overall fatigue, physical and mental fatigue, activity, motivation, psychological distress and quality of life. The authors speculate that the benefits of acupuncture in treating fatigue may be in part mediated by its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines. (Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Oct 29. [Epub ahead of print]).
Categories: Cancer, Fatigue
