[5071] Effect of acupuncture on joint symptoms related to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Crew KD, Capodice J, Greenlee H, Raptis GR, Blozie K, Sierra A, Braffman L, Fuentes D, Hershman DL. College of Physicians and Surgeons; Columbia University; Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have quickly become standard of care for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal, hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, breast cancer patients receiving AIs have a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly joint pain and stiffness, which may result in non-adherence and interfere with quality of life. We hypothesize that acupuncture, a traditional Chinese method for relieving musculoskeletal pain, is an effective treatment for AI-associated joint symptoms. Materials and Methods: We conducted a study of acupuncture administered twice weekly for six weeks in 21 postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer and musculoskeletal pain related to adjuvant AI therapy. The primary endpoint was change in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) worst pain score. Secondary endpoints included change in BPI pain severity and pain-related interference, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) quality of life measure. Results: A total of 21 women were enrolled; median age: 59 yrs (range 46-73); White/Black/Hispanic/Asian: 12/1/5/3; anastrozole/letrozole/exemestane: 12/4/3; median yrs since menopause: 11 (2-31); median body mass index (kg/m2): 26 (20-44). In 16 evaluable participants, acupuncture resulted in a significant improvement in mean BPI scores of worst pain (5.3 to 3.3, p=0.01), pain severity (3.7 to 2.5, p=0.02), and pain-related interference (3.1 to 1.7, p=0.02). Significant improvements in the total WOMAC score and the function subscale were observed (p=0.04 and 0.02, respectively), with a trend to reduction of both pain and stiffness subscales. Overall quality of life was not affected by acupuncture, however the FACT-G physical well-being subscale improved after acupuncture (p=0.03). Discussion: Our study suggests that acupuncture is effective at relieving joint symptoms in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on adjuvant AI therapy. Acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated non-pharmacological intervention for AI-related joint symptoms and may result in improved therapeutic adherence. The benefit of acupuncture should be evaluated further in a randomized controlled trial. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 12/06 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.