title: Randomised controlled trial comparing hypnotherapy versus gabapentin for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of hypnotherapy versus gabapentin for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, and to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial comparing a drug with a complementary or alternative method (CAM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomised trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Breast health centre of a tertiary care centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  15 women with a personal history of breast cancer or an increased risk of breast cancer who reported at least one daily hot flash.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gabapentin 900 mg daily in three divided doses (control) compared with standardised hypnotherapy. Participation lasted 8 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary endpoints were the number of daily hot flashes and hot flash severity score (HFSS). The secondary endpoint was the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  27 women were randomised and 15 (56%) were considered evaluable for the primary endpoint (n=8 gabapentin, n=7 hypnotherapy). The median number of daily hot flashes at enrolment was 4.5 in the gabapentin arm and 5 in the hypnotherapy arm. HFSS scores were 7.5 in the gabapentin arm and 10 in the hypnotherapy arm. After 8 weeks, the median number of daily hot flashes was reduced by 33.3% in the gabapentin arm and by 80% in the hypnotherapy arm. The median HFSS was reduced by 33.3% in the gabapentin arm and by 85% in the hypnotherapy arm. HFRDIS scores improved by 51.6% in the gabapentin group and by 55.2% in the hypnotherapy group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hypnotherapy and gabapentin demonstrate efficacy in improving hot flashes. A definitive trial evaluating traditional interventions against CAM methods is feasible, but not without challenges. Further studies aimed at defining evidence-based recommendations for CAM are necessary.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00711529).
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Women's Cancer Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maclaughlan David
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salzillo
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bowe
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scuncio
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Malit
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Raker
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Gass
authors.forename: C O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Granai
authors.forename: Don S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Dizon
keywords: Breast Cancer; Hot Flashes; Hypnotherapy
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