Presentation summary

Introduction :
Acupuncture is available to patients experiencing side effects from cancer treatments in cancer centers across France. Our goal is to present our practice and the indications for wich acupuncture is offered to patients.

Method :
Patients are managed within the pain department of the Cancer Centers (CLCC) in France. The request for management is made by the patient’s referring oncologist. Depending on the described symptoms, acupuncture sessions or other treatments will be offered. The Francophone Association for Oncology SupportCare (AFSOS) has established a framework for the indications of acupuncture in oncology.

Results :
Several Cancer Centers (CLCC) in France offer acupuncture sessions to patients based on their symptoms. The indications are nausea and vomiting, hot flasshes, sleep disorders, arthralgia and muscle pain, peripheral neuropathies, fatigue, xerostomia and trismus. We are considering conducting a study to demonstrate the benefits of acupuncture as a supportive care for breast cancer patients with side effects from cancer treatments.

Conclusion :
Acupuncture, now classified among non-pharmacological interventions, is the subject of numerous high-level scientific publications and is increasingly favored by patients.