Acupunture for hot flashes in men with prostate cancer
Hot flashes are a common side effect of androgen ablation therapy — a well-established treatment for various stages of prostate cancer.
Researchers at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, in Brooklyn, New York, report positive effects with acupuncture.
First, the details.
- 17 men with hot flashes and a history of androgen ablation therapy for prostate cancer were studied.
- A hot flash score was used to measure daily hot flashes.
- A daily score was calculated by multiplying frequency times severity.
- Daily scores before acupuncture were compared with scores at 2 and 6 weeks and at 8-months.
And, the results.
- The average initial hot flash score was 28, which dropped to…
- 10 at 2 weeks after treatment
- 8 at 6 weeks
- 7 at 8 months — significant improvements.
- Improvement at Weeks 2 and 6 was 68% and 89%, respectively — significant improvement.
- Improvement at 8 months was 80% — also significant.
- No side effects were encountered during, immediately after treatment, or at 8 months.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Acupuncture provides excellent control of hot flashes in men with a history of androgen ablation therapy. The absence of side effects and the durable response at 8 months are likely to be appealing to patients.”
Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University, in Portland conducted a similar study and reported a positive response to acupuncture. In addition, “A reduced hot flash score was associated with improvement in the hot flash-related quality of life and sleep quality.”
7/8/10 21:04 JR