Smith, C., Carmady, B., Thornton, C., Perz, J., & Ussher, J. M. (2013). The effect of acupuncture on post-cancer fatigue and well-being for women recovering from breast cancer: a pilot randomised controlled trial. Acupuncture in Medicine, 31, 9–15.

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture in managing fatigue and well-being in women with breast cancer.

Patients were randomized to acupuncture, sham control, or wait-list control groups. Six acupuncturists provided the interventions. All needles were inserted with a Park device for both the sham and actual groups. Treatments were performed twice weekly for three weeks and then weekly for another three weeks. Acupuncture was administered at five points, and the needles were stimulated manually. Needles were retained for a maximum of 20 minutes, and sessions lasted 45 minutes. Women in the wait-list control were contacted every four days during the study. Women in the acupuncture group were also interviewed to explore the perceived impact of the intervention.

• In total, 30 patients (100% female) were included.
• Mean age was 55 years.
• All patients had breast cancer.
• No patients were receiving treatment during the study.
• Prior treatments received were not described.
• All patients had fatigue scores between 4 and 6, which were considered moderate levels at baseline.

• Single site  
• Outpatient 
• Australia

• Patients were undergoing the transition phase after active treatment.
• The study has clinical applicability for palliative care.

The study used a randomized, sham-controlled trial, with a mixed method.

• Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)
• Well-Being Questionnaire (W-BQ12)
• Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing Questionnaire (MyCaW)

Fatigue declined over time in all three groups. It was reported that fatigue declined significantly in the acupuncture group after two weeks; however, no statistical results were provided. Almost half of the women recruited declined participation, mainly due to the travel distance required. Well-being scores improved in all women, with no differences between groups. Findings from interviews showed that women who received acupuncture experienced improved sleep and relaxation with treatments and improved mood.

Findings suggested that acupuncture treatment is feasible in this group of patients and may be of benefit in improving fatigue.

The study had a small sample size, with less than 100 patients.

The study suggested that acupuncture was feasible as provided and might have benefit in the management of fatigue; however, the study did not provide strong evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture to improve fatigue.