This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Johnstone, P. A. Articles by Martin, P. J Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Johnstone, P. A. Articles by Martin, P. J Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinicy

Radiation Oncology Service, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California and Radiation Oncology Division, University of California, San Diego, California

Gregory R Polston

Department of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California

Richard C Niemtzow

Radiation Oncology Service and Department of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California

Peter J Martin

Head and Neck Surgery Service, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California

Purpose/Objective: Patients with cancer or symptoms referable to cancer therapy were offered acupuncture as potential palliation of their symptoms. This paper describes the physical integration of the discipline into the Oncology Clinic, and patient perspectives on its availability and efficacy. Patients and methods: Between August 1999 and May 2000, 123 patients with varying symptoms received acupuncture in our Center's Radiation and Medical Oncology Clinics and Breast Health Center. These patients had 823 visits during this time period. A practice outcome analysis was performed on patients receiving therapy between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2000. The 89 patients treated during this interval had 444 total visits. In June and July 2000, a questionnaire was administered by phone to 79 of these patients (89%). Standard allopathic care continued while patients were receiving acupuncture. Results: Major reasons for referral included pain (53%), xerostomia (32%), hot flashes (6%) and nausea/loss of appetite (6%). Patients had a mean of five acupuncture visits (range 1– 9). Most patients (60%) showed at least 30% improvement in their symptoms. About one-third of patients had no change in severity of symptoms. There were no untoward effects reported related to the acupuncture. When analysed by diagnosis, these values persist. Irrespective of response to therapy, 86% of respondents considered it ‘very important' that we continue to provide acupuncture services. Conclusion: Acupuncture may contribute to control of symptoms for cancer patients. Expansion of providers, continued patient follow-up, optimization of techniques and prospective objective measurement of response continue in our clinic.

Key Words: acupuncture • alternative and complementary therapies • cancer • nausea • palliation • xerostomia

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Bardia, D. L. Barton, L. J. Prokop, B. A. Bauer, and T. J. Moynihan Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies in Relieving Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review J. Clin. Oncol., December 1, 2006; 24(34): 5457 - 5464. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. J. Cohen, A. Menter, and L. Hale Acupuncture: Role in Comprehensive Cancer Care--A Primer for the Oncologist and Review of the Literature Integr Cancer Ther, June 1, 2005; 4(2): 131 - 143. [Abstract] [PDF]