The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Chemotherapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients

The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Chemotherapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients

The goal of this study is to determine if acupuncture improves multiple symptoms associated with chemotherapy on the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI): nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, anorexia, pain, disturbed sleep, shortness of breath, dry mouth, depression, and peripheral neuropathy (see statistical section). The investigators hypothesis is that acupuncture will result in lower MDASI scores over the course of chemotherapy for the acupuncture group vs. control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• English speaking/reading/writing
• Breast cancer stages I through III
• Any performance status suitable for chemotherapy as determined by the physician
• Primary or secondary chemotherapy, but enrolling patients prior to a chemotherapy regimen regardless of previous radiation therapy exposure and/or previous mastectomy.
• Scheduled to receive either of the following two regimens:
• Adriamycin (60 mg/m2), Cytoxan (600 mg/m2), Taxol (175 mg/m2)
• Adriamycin (60 mg/m2), Cytoxan (600 mg/m2), Taxol (80 g/m2)
• Taxotere (75mg/m2), Cytoxan (600 mg/m2)
• Taxotere (75 mg/m2), Carboplatin (AUC 6), Perjeta (840 mg loading fixed dose, followed by 420 mg maintenance fixed dose)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Other acupuncture treatment within one month of enrollment
• Acupuncture treatment for chemotherapy in the past
• Current participation in any other research studies