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http://dx.doi.org/10.15204/jkobgy.2019.32.3.102

A Review on Clinical Studies of Acupuncture Treatment for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema  

Park, Kyung-Dug (Dept. of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
Hwang, Su-In (Dept. of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
Park, Jang-Kyung (Dept. of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
Yoon, Young-Jin (Dept. of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
Publication Information
The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology / v.32, no.3, 2019 , pp. 102-115 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to confirm the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), thus providing a clinical basis for acupuncture treatment and helping to develop clinical practice guideline through consideration of used meridians and acupoints. Methods: Clinical studies applying acupuncture on breast cancer-related lymphedema were searched through 7 databases such as The Cochrane Library Central, Embase, Pubmed and CAJ. Interventions and results of the selected clinical studies were analyzed. Results: 8 Clinical studies were finally included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 6 randomized controlled studies and 2 single-arm pilot studies. All of those studies were searched in The Cochrane Library Central, Embase, Pubmed and CAJ and written in English and Chinese. Treatment group applied acupuncture as a Korean medicine intervention. Interventions of control group were made with non-treatment, upper limb exercise, and oral administration of capillary stabilizer or diuretics. Outcome measurements varied from paper to paper but every study measured reduction in arm circumference. Among 8 studies, 6 studies reported statistically significant reduction in arm circumference in treatment group and there were no serious adverse effects. Conclusions: This study suggested that acupuncture has few side effects as well as statistically significant effects on many aspects in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. However the results should be taken cautiously as more clinical studies are needed.
Keywords
Breast Cancer; Lymphedema; Acupuncture; BCRL;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
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