Presentation summary

Introduction :
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In Slovenia, approximately 16,000 people arediagnosed with cancer annually. While survival rates are improving, patients still experience significant physicaland psychological burdens related to both the disease and its treatment. The Institute of Oncology Ljubljana(OIL) has recognized the value of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly acupuncture,into oncology care for over four decades. This abstract presents the historical development, current practice,and future direction of acupuncture in oncology at OIL, including its role in the national oncology rehabilitationprogram OREH.

Method :
A historical overview of acupuncture practice at OIL is presented, including key milestones in painmanagement, symptom control, and rehabilitation. Clinical integration follows evidence-based protocols,including NICE guidelines. Data were collected from institutional records and pilot studies, such as the OREHrehabilitation study (2019–2023), which involved 600 breast cancer patients.

Results : Acupuncture at OIL is primarily used as an adjuvant therapy for pain and vasomotor symptoms in cancersurvivors. In 2022, 130 patients received acupuncture; in 2023, the number increased to 160. The OREH pilotstudy demonstrated that structured integrative rehabilitation significantly improved quality of life and reducedsick leave duration in breast cancer survivors. Advanced pain treatments, including subcutaneous andintrathecal analgesic pumps, were developed alongside acupuncture. Evidence supports acupuncture’sbenefits for hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety, pain, and quality of life, especially in breast cancer patients. Thegrowing demand highlights the need for systemic support, including more trained professionals.

Conclusion :
Integrating Western and Eastern medical paradigms provides a more comprehensive approach to oncologycare. Acupuncture, as a validated and WHO-recognized