NCCS Study Finds Acupuncture Helpful In Reducing Vomiting.
Wednesday, 26 October 2005
FAQS
What is the background of this study?
Dr Choo Su Pin (Registrar, Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore) embarked on a 2 year study to find out how electro acupuncture is able to reduce nausea and vomiting of breast cancer patients on chemotherapy containing doxorubicin. Patients at high risk of vomiting were given 30 mins of electro acupuncture treatment during the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy.
Dr Choo Su Pin 's team members included Dr Kong Keng Hee, (Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital), Dr SS Leong (NCCS), Dr Darren Lim (NCCS) Dr Karen Chua (TTSH).
What's new?
This is the first time acupuncture has been used to explore if it would further control vomiting in cancer patients who are:
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prone to vomiting |
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on standard anti-vomiting medication. |
Why this study?
The need to:
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understand how to enhance patient care and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy patients. |
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study how acupuncture can complement western approaches to cancer care through evidence based research. |
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reduce cost of cancer care. Through electro acupuncture, patients can save up to 3 times the cost of taking special anti-vomiting tablets. |
What are the findings?
96% of the 27 participants experienced less nausea and less vomiting. 37% experienced no vomiting at all. 93% of patients provided feedback that acupuncture was helpful and not painful. Some even requested further acupuncture sessions after the trial.
What are the implications?
The next stage is to embark on a bigger trial to study the feasibility of providing electro acupuncture as part of standard patient care. Hopefully with extra funds, the centre can follow up on this area of study.
What are some points to note?
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NCCS is not advocating acupuncture in place of evidence - based medicine. Acupuncture can help if it is given on top of existing standard of cancer care. |
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Acupuncture was given in a trial study and it is not part of standard treatment at the National Cancer Centre yet. To protect patients from the adverse effects of unproven therapies, NCCS encourages patients who want to undergo acupuncture to keep their oncologists informed. |
For more details, photos and media interviews on the above, please click [here].
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