Attitudes towards acupuncture in patients at risk for chemotherapy-related emesis. W. T. Lim, K. H. Kong, S. P. Choo, Y. B. Cheung, S. S. Leong; National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore Abstract: Background: Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a treatment and prophylaxis of multiple ailments. For chemotherapy induced emesis, it has been studied in small studies in peer-reviewed literature. The knowledge and attitudes of the patients at risk for emesis are not well-described. Methods: A prospective study of acupuncture for 5HT3 antagonist refractory acute emesis was used to screen patients at risk from moderately emetogenic anthracycline based chemotherapy. Patients were administered a short questionnaire relating to personal attitudes and acceptance of acupuncture, regardless of whether they were accrued onto trial on the basis of post-treatment emetic episodes (>2 episodes). Patients who received acupuncture were administered the same questionnaire after acupuncture to see if there was a difference. Results: One hundred and fifty patients were screened. The median age was 50 years. Most were women with breast cancer. Only 70 (47%) thought it an acceptable procedure and only 18 (12%) felt it would be helpful for emesis. However 65 (43%) would actually try it if available. Fifty-eight (39%) and 70 (47%) of them felt that it would be an uncomfortable and painful procedure respectively. There were 13 patients with > 2 episodes of refractory acute emesis. Six declined acupuncture for fear of needles and side-effects. Seven patients received acupuncture for their subsequent cycle of chemotherapy. There was a reduction in the median number of acute emetic episodes from 4 to 1, with complete control of emesis in two patients, in the 1st 24 hours after chemotherapy. Conclusions: While complementary medicines are ubiquitous, and their use in Asia is perceived as commonplace, not all would agree to use it for reasons cited above. In view of better control of emesis with 5HT3 antagonists and now NK-1 antagonists the role of acupuncture may be small. However there appears to be added benefit in using acupuncture in this select subset of patients. Abstract No: 8193 ONCOLOGY NURSING FORUM, 7/07 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.