Patient-reported Outcomes of Acupuncture for Symptom Control in Cancer

Acupuncture is increasingly offered as a treatment option for managing cancer-related symptoms. In addition to randomized controlled trials, patient-reported outcomes may be needed to establish effectiveness. This study retrospectively examined the symptoms and the satisfaction ratings of 90 patients receiving acupuncture at an integrative oncology clinic. At least two acupuncture sessions were completed by 72% of the sample. Prevalence rates of fatigue, pain, anxiety, physical distress, emotional distress, and poor quality of life before acupuncture were over 62%. Paired t-tests revealed significant (p < .05) symptom reductions from baseline until after the first acupuncture session and after the last session. Fewer patients (21%) reported nausea, and nausea was significantly reduced after the first, but not the last, session. Reductions represented clinically meaningful differences in 33% to 41% of patients after the first session and in 41-53% of patients after the last session for all symptoms except nausea. A small subset (0% ? 8%) reported worsening symptoms after acupuncture. The majority were satisfied with the service. The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment for cancer-symptom management. While high-quality trials are still needed to establish efficacy, patients may benefit from these primarily safe, low-cost services.