Acupuncture for Chemoradiation Therapy-Related Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Dysphagia is common in head and neck cancer patients after concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a randomized sham-controlled trial and collected preliminary data on safety and efficacy of acupuncture.

Patients and methods

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with stage III-IV squamous cell carcinoma were randomized to 12 sessions of either active acupuncture (AA) or sham acupuncture (SA) during and following CRT. Patients were blinded to treatment assignment. Swallowing-related quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) total and subscale scores.

Results

Multiple aspects of trial feasibility were confirmed. Forty-two of 196 patients screened (21%) were enrolled

SUBMITTER: Lu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5153334 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature