The value of acupuncture in cancer care

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Aug;22(4):631-48, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2008.04.005.

Abstract

Clinical research on acupuncture in cancer care is a new and challenging field in oncology. The results of clinical research will continue to provide clinically relevant answers for patients and oncologists. The evidence currently available has suggested that acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy to manage cancer and treatment related symptoms, while giving patients the ability to actively participate in their own care plan. The article explains the potential benefits of acupuncture and describes the difficulties in studying its effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Analgesia
  • Acupuncture Therapy* / statistics & numerical data
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cancer Care Facilities
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
  • Depression / therapy
  • Fatigue / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / chemically induced
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management
  • Palliative Care
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents