Effectiveness of acupuncture for breast cancer related lymphedema: protocol for a single-blind, sham-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although various treatments for breast cancer related lymphedema exist, there is still a need for a more effective and convenient approach. Pilot studies and our clinical observations suggested that acupuncture may be a potential option. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of acupuncture on BCRL and evaluate its safety using a rigorously designed trial.

Methods/design

Women who are clinically diagnosed as unilateral BCRL, with a 10% to 40% increase in volume compared to the unaffected arm, will be recruited. Following baseline assessment, participants will be randomized to either the real acupuncture group or sham-acupuncture group at a ratio of 1:1, and given a standard real acupuncture or sham-acupuncture treatment accordingly on both arms followed by th

SUBMITTER: Zhu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5609040 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature