Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Prostate cancer survivors experience a range of troublesome symptoms related to cancer and its treatments.
Objective:
The aim of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of using the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) 5-point ear acupuncture protocol to improve the well-being of men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Materials and Methods:
This study was a single-arm, observational, clinical outcome study that used before-and-after measurements. It took place in a National Health Service cancer treatment center in southern England. The subjects were men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were ≥35 years old, without relapse or metastatic disease, ≥6 months post active cancer treatment, experiencing symptoms and/or side-effects of cancer or its treatments. Twenty patients completed eight weekly NADA treatments in small groups of up to 5 patients.
Main Outcome Measures:
Main outcome measures were changes in scores at the end of treatment over baseline for: patient-reported outcomes (Measure Yourself Medical Outcomes Profile [MYMOP]), health status (Short Form 36 [SF-36]), and interference of symptoms in daily life (Symptom Related Daily Interference Scale). Acceptability of NADA treatment was assessed using semistructured questionnaires.
Results:
Mean MYMOP profile change score had a 1.69-point improvement on a 7-point scale (standard deviation=1.25; P<0.000, n=19). SF-36 results had improvements in Vitality and Physical Composite Summary Scores. Significant reductions in interference of symptoms in daily life were recorded for work, social, sleep, mood, concentration, and quality of life. No serious adverse effects were reported. Overall, men found NADA treatment in small groups acceptable.
Conclusions:
NADA ear acupuncture may be a simple nonpharmacologic method of supporting prostate-cancer survivors in managing troublesome symptoms. Further research is warranted.
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