Another new acupuncture project
The LJMC’s experience of using acupuncture with cancer patients was extended when a multi-centre trial to evaluate the use of this complementary therapy in treating xerostomia (dry mouth) began in July.
Xerostomia is a side-effect that is frequently experienced by patients who have received radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
For most patients, the condition gets better over time. However, in some cases, it may be permanent, affecting speech and also the ability to eat with ease and comfort.
Cancer Research UK is funding a trial – Acupuncture for Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia (ARIX) – involving patients in several hospitals, including Mount Vernon.
Acupuncturist, Rachel Peckham, who has worked at the LJMC on previous projects, is joined by Celeste Handford, Mary Hurley and Bea Masters as they start treating the first group of patients.
The study is a randomised, controlled trial involving ten patients at a time. Half the patients will receive an eight-week course of ear acupuncture, the other half will receive an education programme covering how to deal with their symptoms.
After eight weeks, patients will take a break, after which the two groups will swap over.
Any changes in the severity of symptoms will be noted and, it is hoped, that a reduction will be achieved.
Patients who are interested in taking part in this study are invited to call Anne Downs (Senior Research Sister) (01923 844011) for a preliminary discussion. Patients should have finished treatment at least 18 months previously.
Last updated: 23 July, 2010