How Well Does Acupuncture Treat Mucositis? Two Studies to Watch
Last week, I discussed a study that showed how acupuncture can improve the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced acute mucositis. This week, I’ll support that with two massive studies that are still ongoing or may already have been completed, both of which seek to verify these same results.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Trial
This study has been in progress since 2003. It’s listed as complete, but results aren’t yet available. 45 patients participated in the study, which was last updated on April 29th, 2015. It’s a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study of acupuncture therapy for mucositis-related pain in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It will examine nausea and vomiting and sedation scores, as well as psychotropic medication use.
It’s extremely encouraging that this study is being conducted by the National Cancer Institute. And since it directly addresses the topic of acupuncture as a treatment for mucositis, I think it will be well worth the wait.
The St. Charles Health System PRIMA study
Another study that has been ongoing since 2010 has some of the longest documentation of any trial with unpublished results that I’ve ever seen. It’s spearheaded by both lab researchers and acupuncturists. The primary hypothesis is that acupuncture during radiotherapy to the oral cavity reduces radiation-induced acute mucositis and xerostomia. The secondary hypothesis is that acupuncture improves quality of life both during and after radiotherapy–which would be an incredible find.
This study has a randomized, non-blinded design with a total of 40 adult patients with newly-diagnosed head and neck cancer. They will receive acupuncture treatments twice a week during the course of their radiotherapy. The study was last updated on April 29th, 2015, but no results have been published.
When can I see the results?
Verifying the results of a clinical trial can take some time. In certain cases, researchers may publish their results only in private. In both of these cases, results may never be public. However, I’m reasonably certain that they do exist, since the trials took place several years ago. I’ve contacted the researchers in question, and am eagerly awaiting their response. I’ll let you know what I find. Stay tuned!
