Group Acupuncture to Relieve Radiation Induced Xerostomia: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background A distressing complication of radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer is xerostomia (chronic oral dryness). Xerostomia is difficult to treat conventionally but there are reports that acupuncture can help. We conducted a feasibility study to examine the acceptability of a standardised group acupuncture technique and adherence to group sessions, together with acceptability of the objective and subjective measurements of xerostomia. Methods 12 males with established radiation induced xerostomia were treated in three groups of four. Each received eight weekly sessions of acupuncture using four bilateral acupuncture points (Salivary Gland 2; Modified Point Zero; Shen Men and one point in the distal radial aspect of each index finger (LI1)). Sialometry and quality of life assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. A semi-structured interview was conducted a week after completing the intervention. Results Adherence to and acceptability of the treatment and assessments was 100%. There were objective increases in the amounts of saliva produced for 6/12 patients post intervention and the majority also reported subjective improvements. Mean quality of life scores for domains related to salivation and xerostomia also showed improvement. At baseline 92% (11/12) patients reported experiencing a dry mouth “quite a bit/very much” as compared to 42% (5/12) after the treatment. Qualitative data revealed that the patients enjoyed the sessions. Conclusion The pilot study shows that a standardised group technique is deliverable and effective. The tools for objective and subjective assessment are appropriate and acceptable. Further examination in a randomised trial is now warranted.

Acupuncture in the Oncology Setting: Clinical Trial Update

“…Results demonstrated feasibility with regard to 100% treatment compliance and objective improvement in saliva production in 50% of patients. Informal query also demonstrated that patients were pleased with the ease of treatment in the group setting [24].…”

Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Acupuncture in Veterans with Hepatitis C: A Pilot Study

“…In accordance to findings from other studies, many individuals enjoyed the camaraderie they experienced in the group setting. [18][19][20] The shared experience of HCVonly and HCV/antiviral therapy promoted a supportive and empathetic environment for a majority of the Veterans. The social support aspect of the group may have also contributed to the treatment effect.…”

The standardization of acupuncture treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia: A literature review

“…With respect to the needle-left time, it was various from 15 to 60 min. However, the information about the method, frequency and time of the manual needle manipulation were not mentioned at all in all studies and only one article (27) described the needle insertion direction. In regard to the acupuncture treatment regimen in these studies, the treatment frequency was different from 1 to 3 weeks and the treatment duration also varied from 3-5 weeks to 9 months.…”