Acupuncture for Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer

This trial explores whether acupuncture can reduce hot flashes in individuals with a history of breast cancer. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific body points to aid natural healing. Two groups will be tested: one receives immediate acupuncture twice a week for 10 weeks, while the other starts with usual care and switches to weekly acupuncture after 10 weeks. The trial seeks participants with breast cancer who experience frequent hot flashes, at least two per day, while on hormonal therapy. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to explore a non-drug treatment option for managing hot flashes.

You can continue taking your current medications for hot flashes if you've been on them for more than 4 weeks and keep the dose the same during the study. If you recently started a new medication for hot flashes, you might need to wait until you've been on it for at least 4 weeks before joining the study.

Research has shown that acupuncture is generally safe for treating symptoms like hot flashes. In past studies involving over 150 women, acupuncture proved to be a safe method for managing menopause-related symptoms. A 2018 review of 12 studies found acupuncture more effective than no treatment for certain types of pain, supporting its safety. These studies reported no serious side effects, suggesting that acupuncture is well-tolerated.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about using acupuncture for managing hot flashes in breast cancer patients because it offers a unique, drug-free alternative to traditional hormone therapies like estrogen replacement or medications such as gabapentin and clonidine. Acupuncture works by inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, which may help regulate body temperature and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. This approach is particularly appealing for breast cancer patients who often seek non-hormonal options to avoid potential interactions or side effects with their ongoing cancer treatments. By providing a holistic and non-invasive method, acupuncture could offer a natural way to manage symptoms, enhancing the quality of life for these patients.

Research has shown that acupuncture might help reduce hot flashes in people with breast cancer. Some studies have found that acupuncture can significantly improve hot flashes and related symptoms. In this trial, participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive immediate acupuncture treatments, while the other will initially receive standard care without acupuncture, followed by delayed acupuncture treatments. Patients in these studies reported fewer hot flashes and improved quality of life after acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture may also help with other symptoms like tiredness and pain from breast cancer treatments. While more research is needed to confirm these benefits, current evidence is promising.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰