Quality of life of breast cancer patients medicated with anti-estrogens, 2 years after acupuncture treatment: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the quality of life of breast cancer patients medicated with estrogen antagonists, 2 years after having acupuncture treatment for hot flashes.Methods and materialsOur sample was taken from women who had recently participated in a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of acupuncture on hot flashes, a side effect of estrogen-antagonist treatment. Forty-one women from the true acupuncture treatment group and 41 women from the control group (sham acupuncture), who had 2 years previously received a course of 15 acupuncture treatments over a period of 10 weeks, were asked to answer an open question. The question, “Would you like to share your thoughts and experiences related to your breast cancer diagnosis, treatments or anything else?” was by being open, broad, and nonspecific, intended to stimulate subjective information, which was not included in the original, or future quantitative studies. Qualitative data were analyzed using systematic text condensation.ResultsMost women were troubled by two or more side effects due to anti-estrogen medication, negatively affecting their life quality. Symptoms included hot flashes, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain, arm edema, fatigue, weight gain, depression, and lack of sexual desire. Women previously treated with sham acupuncture complained that hot flashes were still problematic, whilst those previously treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture found them less of a problem and generally had a more positive outlook on life. These results compare favorably with the findings from our original study that measured quantitatively health related quality of life.ConclusionSide effects due to anti-estrogen treatment seriously affect the quality of life of breast cancer operated patients. Patients who had previously been treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture complained less of hot flashes, and had a more positive outlook on life, than women who had previously been treated with sham acupuncture.

Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence‐based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment

“…Acupuncture can be considered as a therapy for hot flashes based on 9 trials that assessed acupuncture for hot flashes (grade C). 49,91,92,[143][144][145][146][147][148] Seven of those trials assessed hot flashes as the primary outcome, 91,92, [143][144][145][146]148 and only one trial 148 had more than 100 participants. Overall, the literature showed mixed findings; however, the single, large trial demonstrated significant reductions in hot flashes in their electroacupuncture group compared with sham and control groups.…”

A randomized controlled trial of auricular acupressure in heart rate variability and quality of life for hypertension

“…Most hypertensive patients with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes tend to have lower QoL than do those of hypertension alone, particularly for impaired mental health. 14 Although acupoint stimulation has been demonstrated to promote QoL, 36,37 this mental health effect does not decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, which are associated with QoL. 38 Further studies are warranted to verify this concern for hypertensive patients.…”

“…In addition, the benefits of acupoint stimulation have shown an increase in QoL. 36,37 Certain psychological factors, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, have frequently been associated with QoL. 38 Therefore, this consideration was controlled in hypertensive participants in this study.…”

Symptom burden and integrative medicine in cancer survivorship

“…Acupuncture also was found to be a better therapy for anxiety than usual care (N=302) (22). However, data are limited and mixed (particularly from studies that randomly assigned participants to real or sham acupuncture) (23,24). …”