Acupressure for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Randomized Clinical Trial Suzanne L. Dibble, DNSc, RN, Judy Luce, MD, Bruce A. Cooper, PhD, Jill Israel, RN, Misha Cohen, LAc, OMD, Brenda Nussey, BA, and Hope Rugo, MD Purpose/Objectives: To compare differences in chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among three groups of women (acupressure, placebo acupressure, and usual care) undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Design: A multicenter, longitudinal, randomized clinical trial throughout one cycle of chemotherapy. Setting: Ten community clinical oncology programs associated with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and nine independent sites located throughout the United States. Sample: 160 women who were beginning their second or third cycle of chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment and had moderate nausea intensity scores with their previous cycles. Methods: Subjects were randomized to one of three groups: acupressure to P6 point (active), acupressure to SI3 point (placebo), or usual care only. Subjects in the acupressure group were taught to apply an acupressure wrist device by research assistants who were unaware of the active acupressure point. All subjects completed a daily log for 21 days containing measures of nausea and vomiting and recording methods (including antiemetics and acupressure) used to control these symptoms. Main Research Variables: Acute and delayed nausea and vomiting. Results: No significant differences existed in the demographic, disease, or treatment variables among the treatment groups. No significant differences were found in acute nausea or emesis by treatment group. With delayed nausea and vomiting, the acupressure group had a statistically signifi cant reduction in the amount of vomiting and the intensity of nausea over time when compared with the placebo and usual-care groups. No significant differences were found between the placebo and usual-care groups in delayed nausea or vomiting. Conclusions: Acupressure at the P6 point is a value-added technique in addition to pharmaceutical management for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer to reduce the amount and intensity of delayed CINV. Implications for Nursing: Acupressure is a safe and effective tool for managing delayed CINV and should be offered to women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. ONCOLOGY NURSING FORUM – VOL 34, NO 4, 2007 July 2007 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.