The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society report acupuncture may be effective in treating certain side effects associated with chemotherapy. Nearly all acupuncture studies have focused only on the management of symptoms associated with cancer and cancer-related treatments, and there is no evidence to suggest acupuncture can actually treat cancer. Patients are encouraged to seek conventional therapy for the treatment of cancer itself.
Acupuncture in the U.S.
Acupuncture is just one facet of traditional Chinese medicine that first came to the United States in the 1970s. Since then, it has been gaining acceptance as a mode of complementary and/or alternative therapy for various types of pain, according to the National Institutes of Health. Practitioners attempt to restore the balance of health through the stimulation of specific points on the body. There are a variety of techniques designed to stimulate these points, however, the focus of most research is the technique involving needle penetration of the skin. The Food and Drug Administration has classified the acupuncture needle as a "medical device" and requires needles be sterile and disposable.
Acupuncture and Cancer Treatment
The National Cancer Institute reports acupuncture's primary use in cancer treatment has been symptom management. The most commonly treated symptoms include cancer pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, weight loss, anxiety, depression, insomnia, poor appetite, constipation and diarrhea.
The Evidence
According to both the NCI and the American Cancer Society, the most convincing research findings regarding acupuncture's use in the management of cancer-related symptoms are those investigating its effect on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. While pain relief is the most common clinical use of acupuncture, well-designed studies devoted to investigating acupuncture treatment for cancer pain are few.
Considerations
Acupuncture treatment for chemotherapy-induced side effects typically involve weeks to months of regular treatment, correlated with the chemotherapy schedule. Depending on the severity of symptoms, an acupuncturist may recommend bi- to tri-weekly treatments until symptoms are more manageable. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports some insurance plans now provide acupuncture coverage.
Warning
Acupuncture is considered generally safe when performed by a licensed professional. While serious complications are rare, minor bruising can occasionally occur at the needle site and typically disappears within one to two weeks. There is no evidence to suggest acupuncture can treat cancer, which is why those having been recently diagnosed with cancer are encouraged to seek conventional therapy. Those interested in acupuncture for relief of chemotherapy side effects should visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's Certification Registry website (see Resources).
