Filshie, J., Penn, K., Ashley, S., & Davis, C.L. (1996). Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness. Palliative Medicine, 10, 145–150.

An open pilot study to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of acupuncture on breathlessness in patients with cancer

A nurse observer remained with the patient for the first 90 minutes of the study.

• N = 20
• KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with refractory cancer-related breathlessness

• Open pilot study

• Dyspnea was evaluated on two scales: visual analog scale (VAS) (0–10) and the BORG scale.
• The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used once before the intervention.
• Pain, anxiety, and relaxation VASs also were employed before acupuncture and at five time points after acupuncture.
• Respiratory rate, pulse, and oxygen saturation were measured.

Compared to pretreatment levels, significant changes existed in breathlessness, relaxation, and anxiety VAS scores up to six hours after acupuncture, with p values of < 0.005, < 0.005, and < 0.001, respectively. No correlation was found between the anxiety score on the HADS and the effect of acupuncture on breathlessness (r = –0.14). A significant decrease existed in respiratory rate sustained for 90 minutes following acupuncture (p < 0.02). No significant changes in pulse rate or oxygen saturation (p > 0.1) were found.

Treatment contamination is a possibility, considering the nurse‘s presence and communication following the intervention. Whether the acupuncture or the individual care was more effective is unclear.

Further investigation in a randomized study is warranted.