Acupuncture for hot flushes in prostate cancer
Prof. Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the effects of acupuncture as treatment for hot flushes in prostate cancer patients.
First, the details.
- 6 studies were reviewed.
- All clinical studies of any type of acupuncture in prostate cancer patients were included.
- The main outcome measures were vasomotor symptoms.
And, the results.
- 1 study randomly assigned patients to manual acupuncture vs acupuncture plus electro-acupuncture.
- 5 studies were uncontrolled observational studies and therefore had limitations.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The evidence is not convincing to suggest acupuncture is an effective treatment for hot flush in patients with prostate cancer.”
2/19/09 19:26 JR