Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2022

Acupuncture for treating a symptom cluster (pain, fatigue, sleep, neuropathy) for women with breast cancer: a feasibility study (#405)

Ki Kyung KK Kwon 1 , Kim KKA Kerin-Ayres 2 , Judith JL Lacey 1 2 3 , Suzanne SG Grant 1 2
  1. National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  2. Supportive Care, Chris O'brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  3. Medical school, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Aims:

Many women (88%) who have received breast cancer treatment with curative intent continue to experience numerous cancer and cancer treatment-related symptoms in the first 5 years after their primary cancer treatment (Cheng, Devi, Wong, & Koh, 2014). These symptoms commonly coexist, referred to as symptom clusters. Acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides an approach to managing these symptoms independently and when coexisting. This study examines: 1) the feasibility of a future randomized control trial evaluating acupuncture for managing a symptom cluster (pain, fatigue, sleep, numbness/tinging) in a cancer hospital setting and, 2) the potential relationships between TCM syndrome diagnosis and a symptom cluster.

 

Methods:

Single-centre, single-arm feasibility study, conducted at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. We will recruit 20 women with breast cancer who meet the inclusion criteria. Women will receive an individualized, patient-centred course of acupuncture (8 treatments, 6 weeks). Primary outcomes are acceptability (Acceptability of Intervention Measure), appropriateness (Intervention Appropriateness Measure), and feasibility (Feasibility of Intervention Measure). Secondary outcomes will investigate potential relationships between TCM syndrome diagnosis and the symptom cluster. Additional analysis will monitor symptom burden and quality of life. Statistical significance is set at p<0.05.

 

Results:

In nine weeks, 15 participants were enrolled from 35 expressions of interest or referrals to the study. Of these 35 women, 3 declined participation (8.6%), 10 were not eligible (28.6%), 6 have upcoming enrolment interviews (17.1%), and 16 were eligible (45.7%). Of the women who were eligible, 1 (6.3%) declined participation, and 15 (93.7%) were enrolled. Study is ongoing and further results will be presented at the time of the conference.

 

Conclusions:

Preliminary analysis suggests the study is feasible, especially with high transition from eligible participants to enrolment. These findings also suggest that women with breast cancer are welcoming of acupuncture as a management for their cancer-related symptoms.

  1. Cheng, K. K., Devi, R. D., Wong, W., & Koh, C. (2014). Perceived symptoms and the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors six months to five years post-treatment period. 18(1), 3-9.