NADA Ear Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Treatment-Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: An Observational Study

摘要

Background: Hot flashes and night sweats (HF&NS) are major side-effects of adjuvant hormonal treatments for breast cancer.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) five-point ear acupuncture protocol to reduce HF&NS and improve physical and emotional well-being for women receiving adjuvant treatments for breast cancer. Design: This trial was a single-arm observational study that used before-and-after measurements. Setting: The trial was conducted at a National Health Service cancer treatment center in southern England. Patients: The subjects included women with early breast cancer, > 35 years old, > 6 months post-active cancer treatment, receiving tamoxifen >6 months, and self-reporting >4 HF&NS incidents/24-hours for > 3 months. Intervention: Fifty participants completed weekly NADA treatment for 8 weeks in small groups of <5 patients. Main Outcome Measures: The factors examined were changes in scores at end of treatment over baseline for HF&NS frequency, physical, and emotional well-being, and perception of HF&NS as a problem. Results: Mean HF&NS frequency was reduced by 35.9% (95% confidence interval: 25.4-45.4, p< 0.0001, 72 = 47). Statistical and clinical improvements were recorded for Anxiety/Fears, Depressed Mood, Memory/ Concentration, Sleep Problems, Somatic Symptoms, and Vasomotor Symptoms. Perceptions of HF&NS as a problem were reduced by 2.2 points (standard deviation = 2.23, n = 48, ￡ = 7.22, /?<0.0001). Conclusions: NADA ear acupuncture may be a simple nonpharmacological method of managing breast-cancer treatment-related HF&NS.