Reductions in Chronic Postsurgical Neuropathic Pain and Mechanical Allodynia in Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Laser Acupuncture: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in reducing chronic postsurgical neuropathic pain (CPSNP) and static mechanical allodynia (SMA) in breast cancer surgery patients.
Results Summary
Laser acupuncture significantly reduced CPSNP (mean decrease of 5.57 points) and SMA (mean decrease of 5.02 points), with 92% of patients reporting acute reductions in SMA. Pain reductions occurred despite ongoing pain-aggravating cancer treatments.
Population
Thirty breast cancer surgery patients with CPSNP and SMA (DN4 ≥ 4).
Effective Dosage
60 Milliwatt, 658nm laser acupuncture (average of 6.4 treatments).
Duration
Treatment period spanned from January 2021 to 2024 (retrospective analysis).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
laser acupuncture technique | decrease | Chronic postsurgical neuropathic pain (CPSNP) | patients with significant breast area CPSNP and SMA (DN4 ≥ 4) | from 6.86 to 1.29, mean 5.57 point decrease (95% CI, 4.90-6.24) | significant reduction | #1 |
laser acupuncture technique | decrease | static mechanical allodynia (SMA) | patients with significant breast area CPSNP and SMA (DN4 ≥ 4) | from 6.77 to 1.75, mean 5.02-point decrease (95% CI, 4.09-5.96) | significant reduction | #2 |
laser acupuncture technique | decrease | static mechanical allodynia (SMA) | patients | 92% of patients reported | acute reductions | #3 |
INTRODUCTION: Chronic postsurgical neuropathic pain (CPSNP) and related static mechanical allodynia (SMA) is recognised as a significant long-term complication after breast cancer surgery (BCS). This study investigates the effectiveness of a novel laser acupuncture technique in treating CPSNP and SMA post-BCS whilst patients underwent standard cancer treatments. METHODS: Thirty patients with significant breast area CPSNP and SMA (DN4 ≥ 4) were treated with 60Milliwatt, 658nm laser acupuncture at Austin Hospital between January 2021 and 2024. Patient data was analysed retrospectively: 29 with CPSNP, 22 with SMA. The cohort had exposures to pain aggravating cancer therapies (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy and antihormonal medications). An online patient questionnaire assessed treatment outcomes qualitatively. RESULTS: Patients received an average of 6·4 treatments and their average CPSNP showed significant reduction from 6·86 to 1.29 (P < .001), with a mean 5.57 point decrease (95% CI, 4.90-6.24). Average SMA showed significant reduction from an average of 6.77-1.75 (P < .001), with a mean 5.02-point decrease (95% CI, 4.09-5.96). Pain reductions occurred despite NP aggravating treatment and ongoing usage by 40% of the cohort. 92% of patients reported acute reductions in SMA in the online questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The significant pain reductions observed may indicate effectiveness of laser acupuncture in reducing both CPSNP and SMA in breast cancer patients post-BCS.