Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
권호 표지

Study Trends on Acupuncture Treatment of Cancer

암(癌)에 대한 침치료(鍼治療)의 연구(硏究) 동향(動向)

  • Nam, Dong-Woo (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Lee, Jae-Dong (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Choi, Do-Young (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University)
  • 남동우 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구학교실) ;
  • 이재동 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구학교실) ;
  • 최도영 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구학교실)
  • Published : 2007.02.20
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Objectives : To review and summarize the existing evidence on acupuncture treatment for cancer and cancer related symptoms. Methods: Literature searches were made through domestic and international databases. Data were extracted according to pre-defined criteria. The methodological quality was assessed using the Modified Jadad scale. Results: Seven studies were included. Two of the studies were high in methodological quality. One study concerning acupuncture treatment for cancerous dyspnea reported insignificant differences between the treatment group and placebo group. The other study concerning auricular acupuncture for cancer related pain showed significant pain relief compared with the control group. All the other studies were non-blinded or uncontrolled trials. Conclusion : The hypothesis that acupuncture may be effective for the treatment of cancer is not supported by the data in recent clinical trials. More accurately designed randomized control trials (RCT) are needed.

Keywords