New research into chemo-induced nausea treatments could cut costs.
2nd, October 2008
New research into the Chinese medical practice of acupressure for chemo-induced nausea has been commissioned the National Institute for Health Research after previous research suggested wristbands that combine acupuncture and pressure may be beneficial.
The treatment could offer a cheaper alternative to help with the nausea symptoms that affect 75 percent of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
“Further research is needed to confirm that acupressure is a useful and cost-effective method of treatment that can be used in conjunction with traditional drug therapy,” explained Professor Alex Molassiotis, who is leading the research at the University of Manchester.
This is the first clinical trial for acupressure to study the effects of wristbands used to measure the occurrence and intensity of nausea and vomiting during each of the four cycles of chemotherapy treatment.
“These symptoms contribute towards a loss of social life and prevent people from working. Through what is an already stressful period, this can lead to anxiety and depression. We look forward to the results and hope acupressure wristbands will provide welcome relief for this hard to manage symptom,” said Professor Molassiotis.
Over two million people in the UK have been diagnosed with cancer and over a quarter million people are newly diagnosed each year. Current treatments for anti-nausea are expensive and have to be administered by a healthcare professional, which places higher financial demands on healthcare insurance and policy payouts.
Over 700 patients from cancer clinics in Manchester will receive one of three treatments: self-administered acupressure; wristbands using a flat button on the acupuncture point; or standard (antiemetic drugs).
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