Effect of Acupuncture and Massage on Pain in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Advanced Cancer: Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Purpose:

Pain management remains challenging for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Acupuncture and massage have been recommended for cancer-related pain management, but no prospective trials have been conducted in AYA patients. We explored the effects of acupuncture and massage on pain in AYAs.

Methods:

This subgroup analysis focused on AYA patients (aged 18–39 years) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture and massage for pain management in advanced cancer. Interventions were delivered weekly for 10 weeks, followed by monthly booster treatments through week 26. The primary outcome was the worst pain score from the Brief Pain Inventory, analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model.

Results:

Thirty participants met eligibility criteria (13 acupuncture; 17 massage), with a mean age of 31.1 years (standard deviation, 5.8); 57% were female; 67% were White; and 53% had solid tumors. Both groups experienced reduced pain over time. Relative to baseline, patients receiving acupuncture had a mean change of −1.26 points (95% confidence interval [CI], −2.54 to 0.01) at 10 weeks and a mean change of −1.46 points (95% CI, −2.78 to −0.14) at 26 weeks. Patients receiving massage experienced a mean change of −2.81 points (95% CI, −3.92 to −1.70) at week 10 and a mean change of −3.79 points (95% CI, −4.85 to −2.73) at week 26.

Conclusion:

AYA patients with advanced cancer who received either acupuncture or massage experienced clinically meaningful and sustained reductions in pain. These findings provide a promising foundation for future trials aimed at evaluating integrative pain management strategies in AYAs.