Acupuncture to treat hot flashes in breast cancer
Professor Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the evidence.
They’re not convinced. My view is less negative.
First, the details.
- They searched for articles comparing real vs sham acupuncture or another active treatment or no treatment.
- The quality of the studies was assessed using the modified Jadad score (described here).
And, the results.
- 3 studies compared manual acupuncture to sham acupuncture.
- 1 showed favorable effects of acupuncture in reducing hot flash frequency
- 2 failed to do so.
- A meta-analysis reported significant differences between acupuncture and sham acupuncture.
- 1 study reported that hormone therapy was more effective than electroacupuncture.
- 1 study reported no difference between acupuncture and venlafaxine (Effexor).
- Another study of acupuncture vs applied relaxation failed to show a significant difference.
The bottom line?
It’s a decidedly mixed report card. Although failing to show a difference does not mean the treatment doesn’t work. For example, based on limited data, acupuncture might be an alternative to existing options, such as venlafaxine or hormones.
I believe the study reported in this review that found acupuncture to be equivalent to venlafaxine is summarized here.
11/8/08 18:28 JR
