Use of acupuncture to alleviate side effects in radiation oncology: Current evidence and future directions.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Several reports have shown that acupuncture is an effective method of complementary medicine; however, only a few of these reports have focused on oncological patients treated with radiation therapy. Most of these studies discuss a benefit of acupuncture for side-effect reduction; however, not all could demonstrate significant improvements. Thus, innovative trial designs are necessary to confirm that acupuncture can alleviate side effects related to radiation therapy. In the present manuscript, we perform a broad review and discuss pitfalls and limitations of acupuncture in parallel with standard radiation therapy, which lead the way to novel treatment concepts.
SUBMITTER: Asadpour R
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5514158 | biostudies-other | 2016 Oct-Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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