de Valois B, Young TE, Robinson N, McCourt C, Maher EJ (2012) NADA ear acupuncture for breast cancer treatment-related
hot flashes and night sweats: an observational study. Medical Acupuncture. 24(4):
256-268
doi:10.1089/acu.2012.089
http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acu.2012.0897
Abstract
Background: Hot flashes and night sweats (HF&NS) are major side-effects of adjuvant hormonal treatments for breast cancer.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) five-point ear acupuncture protocol to reduce HF&NS and improve physical and emotional well-being for women receiving adjuvant treatments for breast cancer.
Design: This trial was a single-arm observational study that used before-and-after measurements.
Setting: The trial was conducted at a National Health Service cancer treatment center in southern England.
Patients: The subjects included women with early breast cancer, ≥35 years old, ≥6 months post–active cancer treatment, receiving tamoxifen ≥6 months, and self-reporting ≥4 HF&NS incidents/24-hours for ≥3 months.
Intervention: Fifty participants completed weekly NADA treatment for 8 weeks in small groups of ≤5 patients.
Main Outcome Measures: The factors examined were changes in scores at end of treatment over baseline for HF&NS frequency, physical, and emotional well-being, and perception of HF&NS as a problem.
Results: Mean HF&NS frequency was reduced by 35.9% (95% confidence interval: 25.4–45.4, p<0 .0001=".0001" i="i">n
=47). Statistical and clinical improvements were recorded for Anxiety/Fears, Depressed Mood, Memory/Concentration, Sleep Problems, Somatic Symptoms, and Vasomotor Symptoms. Perceptions of HF&NS as a problem were reduced by 2.2 points (standard deviation=2.23, n=48, t=7.22, p<0 .0001=".0001" span="span"> Conclusions: NADA ear acupuncture may be a simple nonpharmacological method of managing breast-cancer treatment