Abstract Title:

Efficacy of saam acupuncture treatment on improvement of immune cell numbers in cancer patients: a pilot study.

Abstract Source:

J Tradit Chin Med. 2014 Oct ;34(5):550-4. PMID: 25417404

Abstract Author(s):

Dae-Joon Kim, Seong-Hoon Park, Jung-Chul Seo, Kyung Soon Kim, Ki Cheul Sohn, Im Hee Shin, Hun Mo Ryoo

Article Affiliation:

Dae-Joon Kim

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To collect preliminary data on the effects of Saam acupuncture with regard to the immunity in cancer patients.

METHODS: Ten cancer patients were analyzed for improvements in immunity. Acupuncture was applied at the 5 acupuncture points, Jingqu (LU 8), Zutonggu (BL 66), Yanggu (SI 5), Yangchi (TE 4), and Zhongwan (CV 12) for 2 weeks with 4 sessions. We assessed the effect of Korean Saam acupuncture on the immune system in cancer patients by measuring particular blood cell subsets, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD56+ cells, as well as total white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and fatigue score. The measurement was performed before and after acupuncture and at a 2-week follow-up.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the number of CD3+ (P = 0.023) and CD8+ cells (P<0.001) and T-cell subsets, as well as a decrease in the fatigue severity scale (FSS) score (P = 0.001) after Saam acupuncture using the 5 acupoints.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may improve the immune system by increasing the counts of a few immune cells and relieve fatigue in cancer patients by decreasing FSS scores. Although this was a non-controlled study, it constitutes preliminary research investigating the potential effects of Saam acupuncture in increasing the counts of several immune cells in cancer patients.

Study Type : Human Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.