In this pilot study, the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of acupuncture was evaluated in treating aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia. Aromatase inhibitors are recommended as adjuvant hormone treatment for postmenopausal women with early breast cancer, but a significant portion experience joint pain and stiffness. A total of 32 patients were randomized to receive either sham or real electroacupuncture twice weekly for 6 weeks. Outcomes of joint pain, stiffness, and physical function were measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), overall pain and severity and interference with the BPI-SF and quality of life with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) instrument. Hand strength was assessed by a grip test, and a serum marker of inflammation (CRP) was also measured. All assessments were performed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, except for blood samples at baseline and 6 weeks only. The results showed that there were no significant differences in outcome measures, however positive trends were observed in stiffness and physical function at week 12 in favour of real electroacupuncture. The authors conclude that acupuncture is feasible and safe in patients with breast cancer with joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors. Acupunct Med. 2013. PMID: 23722951.
