title: Evaluation of Group Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Symptoms: A Retrospective Analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acupuncture is being used for treatment of cancer-related symptoms in numerous settings, yet empirical evidence supporting the effects of acupuncture in this setting is lacking. Group acupuncture is an economical way to provide acupuncture to patients at a reduced cost.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this retrospective study we sought to evaluate the effects of group acupuncture on specific cancer-related symptoms in persons receiving outpatient cancer treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were receiving group acupuncture treatments through an integrative oncology program in a large community oncology practice in west central Florida. A short patient-completed assessment of seven basic cancer-related symptoms using a 0-10 numeric rating scale was completed at each acupuncture treatment. Basic demographic information, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and cancer type was obtained from the medical record. Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate differences in symptoms before the first treatment and at the fourth treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty patients completed at least four weekly acupuncture treatments in 2014. Forty-three of them completed symptom assessments and were included in this analysis. The mean age of participants was 66.4 years. The majority of patients were white, non-Hispanic, and female. No significant improvement in symptoms were identified at the third treatment. At the time of the fourth group acupuncture, participants reported significantly less pain/numbness and problems with digestion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study provide evidence to support the efficacy of group acupuncture for pain, neuropathy, and digestive problems in persons with cancer. A minimum of four weekly treatments may be necessary before improvements are noted. Limitations include a retrospective design, incomplete symptom evaluation, and possible response bias. Future studies of group acupuncture for cancer-related symptoms should utilize a prospective, controlled design, use validated measures to thoroughly evaluate targeted symptoms, and include a more racially and ethnically diverse sample.
authors.affiliation: 1 College of Nursing, University of South Florida , Tampa, Florida.
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tofthagen
authors.affiliation: 2 Integrative Oncology Department, Florida Cancer Specialists , Largo, Florida.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boses
authors.affiliation: 3 Root Healing Acupuncture , Dunedin, Florida.
authors.forename: Gene
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Healy
authors.affiliation: 2 Integrative Oncology Department, Florida Cancer Specialists , Largo, Florida.
authors.forename: Nuruddin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jooma
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies