Acupuncture for CIPN in Breast Cancer Patients

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients- A Case Series

The aim of this study is to collect preliminary data on the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of CIPN in breast cancer patients.

Ideally 10 patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy due to chemotherapy from breast cancer treatment will be included in this study.They will receive 16 total acupuncture treatments over 10 weeks including various points based off of research and classical text and scalp acupuncture.

Inclusion criteria:

1. Minimum of 18 years of age

2. Currently receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy

3. Experiencing symptoms of chemotherapy induced neuropathy for at least 1 month

4. Have a minimum score of 3 on the VAS should have a grade II CIPN on NCICTC

5. Willing to sign an informed consent

6. Stable treatment for more than two months before screening

   • Stable treatment is defined as no change in the type and dose of medications 2 months prior to enrollment.
   • Once enrolled, the patients will be asked to remain on the same type and dose of the medications for neuropathy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Receiving any treatment to prevent neuropathy 2 weeks prior to the screening
2. Pre-existing peripheral neuropathy due to any other cause than chemotherapy
3. Pre-existing conditions like pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, bleeding disorders, depression (BDI > 21)
4. Unwilling to follow the protocol
5. Individuals who are receiving government disability assistance