Acupuncture As a Potential Opioid-Sparing Pain Management Intervention for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Background:

High-symptom burdens, including pain, are associated with high-dose chemotherapy.

Objective:

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate how acupuncture may affect symptom burden and use of pain medication.

Design:

This is a randomized sham acupuncture (SA) controlled trial.

Setting:

An academic cancer center.

Patients:

Patients were with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Intervention:

Once daily acupuncture for 5 days after high-dose chemotherapy.

Main Outcome Measures:

M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI), opioid use.

Results:

Compared with SA, true acupuncture reduced nausea, poor appetite, and drowsiness, and use of opioids in opioid-naive patients.

Randomizations:

Yes.

Blinding:

Investigators and study participants were blinded.

Conclusion:

Further study of acupuncture in a larger trial is warranted for its effect on reducing opioid use and symptom burdens during high-dose chemotherapy. Registration: NCT01811862.