The University of Hong Kong

Main Content

中文 Eng

Randomized acupuncture study for breast cancer patients to prevent chemobrain

Chemobrain is an expression used to describe a cluster of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment symptoms, including problems with visual and verbal memory, forgetfulness, difficulty in learning, attention, concentration and coordination of multitasking and organization. According to overseas studies, over 75% cancer patients experienced acute cognitive symptoms during chemotherapy and a proportion of them have long-term post-treatment cognitive deficits. Breast cancer survivors display a significant prevalence of post-treatment cognitive impairment. Chemobrain has become an apparent quality-of-life issue for cancer survivors and will be encountered more frequently with the rise of the number of cancer survivors.

This research project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong / Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster. The study will be conducted in Queen Mary Hospital and Tung Wah Hospital.

Principle investigator: Prof. Zhang Zhang-Jin Investigators: Dr. Ava Kwong, Prof. So Kwok-Wei Winnie, Dr. LAW Chi Kin Andrew.

Contact information ：If you have any enquiries, you can directly contact at 9881 3546 or email to hku.scm.trials@gmail.com.

Introduction

There are evidence to confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing anti-cancer treatment-caused side effects, including pain, nausea, hot flashes, fatigue, xerostomia, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance. It has also been shown to improve cognitive function of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and various dementias. Acupuncture significantly facilitates the recovery of pathological microstructural changes of the brain. We believe that acupuncture is also effective in preventing chemobrain. To further verify its efficacy, we designed this assessor-blind, randomized controlled clinical study.

Aims of study

To look for evidence on whether acupuncture could help prevent the occurrence of chemobrain, and reduce the symptoms if they occur.

 

Description of the study

Breast cancer patients who are ready for or have just started their chemotherapy will be enrolled in the study. Participants in each group will receive different regimens of acupuncture treatment. For the acupuncture treatments, they will be carried out twice a week, for a consecutive of 8 weeks, meaning 16 sessions in total. Each session will last about 45min. Acupuncture will be performed by qualified Chinese Medicine Practitioners, which sterile needles would be inserted into acupoints on the scalp, abdomen, upper and lower limbs. Changes in your symptoms will be assessed in regular manner.

 

 

Potential benefits and compensations

You will not be charged for the acupuncture treatments and clinical assessments. You will receive allowance for your transportation upon finishing the whole course of acupuncture treatments and assessments.

Application & Enquiries

If you have any enquiries, you can directly contact by 98813546 or email to hku.scm.trials@gmail.com。