Vasomotor Symptom Alleviation Through Acupuncture in Patients With Prostate Cancer

Vasomotor Symptom Alleviation Through Acupuncture in Patients With Prostate Cancer

A pilot study to assess the acceptability and efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) in Irish patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All participants must have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer and currently be treated with androgen deprivation therapy with or without additional prostate cancer therapies.
• Patients under the care of a Medical Oncologist in either Bons Secours Hospital or Cork University Hospital
• All participants must be experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms as defined by a score of 4 or more on the Hot Flash Index.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18.
• Patients with HFI scores below 4.
• Patients not currently being treated with androgen deprivation therapy.
• Patients with contraindications to acupuncture.
• Patients already receiving acupuncture for vasomotor symptoms.
• Patients unwilling to participate in the study.