Effects of Acupuncture Therapy for Cancer-related Fatigue in Terminal Ill Patients

Abstract

Background: Almost all patients experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in advanced stage of cancer but only a few coping methods are known to be effective. Objectives: We conducted a study to evaluate the usefulness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in terminal stage patients. Methods: Total of 16 cancer patients either hospitalized in palliative care unit or received intervention from palliative care team in Chiba University Hospital between August 2010 and March 2012 were included in the study. Acupuncture treatment (touching needle therapy) consisting of 3 interventions in two weeks period was added to usual care. The primary outcome measure was Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and secondary outcome measures were Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of fatigue and pain, and salivary amylase levels. Results: Thirteen patients completed the acupuncture therapy. While CFS scores showed no significant change, fatigue NRS and salivary amylase levels showed significant decrease after the treatment. No adverse effect was reported in this study. Conclusion: Our study suggests the possibility of acupuncture therapy in relieving fatigue sensation in patients with advanced cancer.