Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sweating Associated with Malignancy

Acupuncture for Primary Hyperhidrosis: Case Series

Three cases of primary hyperhidrosis of no known cause, with excess sweating day and night, were treated using the same acupuncture points. The patients reported that their sweating decreased and that they felt better after the treatment.

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Paraneoplastic Night Sweats

This case report describes acupuncture treatment to manage paraneoplastic night sweating secondary to pancreatic cancer. A 56-year-old gentleman with a 2-month history of night sweating responded well over a 10-week course of acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture was selected for symptom management after no success was achieved with pharmacological and conventional managements. The severity of night sweating had reduced from 9/10 to 1/10 on visual analog scale at the end of treatment. This case report suggests that acupuncture has a favorable effect on paraneoplastic night sweating in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and recommends further research.

Critical review of complementary therapies in haemato-oncology

There is evidence of the increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine by Australians diagnosed with cancer. Given the increasing desire of cancer patients to use complementary and alternative medicine, it is important that clinicians have a good understanding of the evidence available in this field. This critical review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence pertaining to a range of complementary therapies that are used in a supportive role in the treatment of cancer patients. Treatment methods considered are acupuncture, music therapy, massage and touch therapies and psychological interventions. The efficacy of these complementary therapies in terms of improvement in symptoms and quality of life is examined. Evidence that relates to an effect on immune function and survival is also investigated.