Private MD News

Acupuncture can reduce side effects in men being treated for prostate cancer

Category: Prostate

Most men who receive positive PSA test results opt for hormone therapy to reduce their tumor. However, this treatment approach can bring with it severe side effects that include hot flashes, heart palpitations and anxiety. Yet a new study has shown that acupuncture treatment may be able to reduce these side effects.

For the study, researchers from Cornell University evaluated 14 men who were experiencing side effects from hormone therapy both before and after providing them with a four-week acupuncture treatment program.

The results showed that participants’ rating of their symptoms declined by 28 percent following treatment. The researchers said that the therapy could offer a natural option for dealing with treatment side effects.

"Our study shows that physicians and patients have an additional treatment for something that affects many men undergoing prostate cancer treatment and actually has long-term benefits, as opposed to more side effects," said Hani Ashamalla, who led the study.

He added that men who are undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer and are experiencing these side effects should talk to their doctors about starting acupuncture treatment.