Pointing to a better treatment: New acupuncture trial calling for participants

Acupuncture being administered on the arm


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breast cancer survivors who experience debilitating chronic swelling of the arm are needed for a new clinical trial testing the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments. 

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition which occurs in 20 percent of women treated for breast cancer. Protein-rich fluid builds up in the tissues of the arm because the lymphatic system cannot carry it away. The fluid causes painful swelling, lasting changes to composition of the affected limb and can also increase the risk of infection.

The most common cause of lymphoedema in Australia is as a secondary consequence of breast cancer treatment.

Associate Professor Caroline Smith from the University of Western Sydney’s Complementary Medicine Research Centre (CompleMED) says current treatments for lymphoedema focussed on reducing swelling and controlling pain are inadequate. 

“Management of this condition is limited, and can be quite costly, and women have expressed interest in new approaches to treatment ,” says Associate Professor Smith. 

“Preliminary data suggests acupuncture may be beneficial in treating the symptoms and the swelling,” says Associate Professor Smith, who is Chief Investigator on the trial. 

Acupuncture, an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points, is widely practice in Australia by acupuncturists nationally registered with the  Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 

“Acupuncture administered by a trained professional is extremely safe,” says Associate Professor Smith.

She says the current small scale trial will help to establish if a larger trial of acupuncture for lymphoedema treatment is warranted. 

“The aim of our research is to determine whether acupuncture does reduce symptoms and swelling associated with lymphoedema,” she says. 

The study aims to recruit women living  in the Greater Western Sydney area. Women participating in the trial will be randomly assigned to either receive acupuncture or continue with their usual treatments. 

For those women randomly assigned to receive acupuncture, 12 treatments will be provided  over 8 weeks   (twice weekly for four weeks then once a week for four weeks). 

The acupuncture treatments will be delivered by participating registered acupuncturists across Western Sydney who will be supervised by the trial investigators. 

To participate or find out more information contact:  Associate Professor Caroline Smith, 02 4620 3777 email caroline.smith@uws.edu.au 

This study has been approved by the University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee. The approval number is H9535.

Ends 

3 September 2012