Effects of Acupuncture on Terminal Cancer Patients in the Home Care Setting

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

In the field of palliative care medicine, acupuncture is gaining popularity and has been validated with some scientific evidence. However, given the many treatment modalities associated with acupuncture, the optimal approach has not yet been determined.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on various symptoms in terminal cancer patients.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

Between September 2005 and February 2008, acupuncture was performed on 12 terminal cancer patients (aged 56–83 years) receiving home care who had been evaluated to live less than 1 month at the time of discharge from hospital. The patients presented with a variety of symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, and general fatigue, and were considered to be deficient in Qi and as having less Yin compared with Yang.

Intervention:

Acupuncture treatments included the N→N+1 treatment along the corresponding energy axes, use of Shu-Mu subsystems, distinct meridian systems, and local acupoints specifically associated with each condition. Treatments were repeated weekly until death of the patient.

Main Outcome Measures:

Change in symptoms, need for hospitalization, and patient self-report of quality of life.

Results:

All patients survived at least 1 month after the initiation of the acupuncture treatment at home (mean [SD] length of stay at home, 133 [75] days). There was a moderate to significant reduction in the severity of constipation, dyspnea, and general fatigue, although the effects on pain and nausea were variable. No patient required hospitalization for the palliation of symptoms, nor did any patients experience anxiety or other psychological problems that needed further medical attention. All patients were able to remain home until death.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture appeared to significantly contribute to the palliation of symptoms experienced by terminal cancer patients.