Hot flashes are bothersome consequences of estrogen deprivation in both post-menopausal women, and of course who are treated with hormone therapy (ie, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, or LHRH analogues) for breast cancer. The treatment of these vasomotor symptoms of menopause is as well difficult in breast cancer patients. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Eleanor M. Walker has seeked the question, whether acupuncture is effective as venlafaxine in the management of vasomotor symptoms, with a randomized controlled study (RCT). The conclusion of this outstanding study is: “Acupuncture appears to be equivalent to drug therapy in these patients. It is a safe, effective and durable treatment for vasomotor symptoms secondary to long-term antiestrogen hormone use in patients with breast cancer“.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 28, No 4 (February 1), 2010: pp. 634-640
Uzm. Dr. Burak Uzel 