Utilization of Acupuncture Therapy among Pediatric Oncology Patients at a Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture is infrequently studied in the pediatric oncology population. However its potential as a complementary cancer care modality in the reduction of treatment-related side effects and improvements in quality of life has been demonstrated in adults. Our study aims to characterize the patients and utilization of acupuncture therapy among the pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records for patients between the ages of 0-18 years, undergoing treatment for an oncological diagnosis and had received acupuncture therapy between January 2004 and September 2012 was conducted. Results: A total of 133 patients, comprising 3.2% of our pediatric oncology population, utilized acupuncture therapy. A cumulative of 523 acupuncture treatments was provided. Treatments were tolerated well by patients, perceived as beneficial, and without any serious adverse events. Acupuncture treatments addressed a wide variety of patients’ complaints and cancer treatment-related side effects. Conclusions: Acupuncture use among the pediatric oncology population is relatively low; however, our findings demonstrate its potential as a complementary cancer care modality in clinical practice for this unique population in the future.