Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have found a promising new way to help breast cancer survivors who continue to struggle with memory problems, fatigue, poor sleep, and emotional stress after treatment.
Their study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that electroacupuncture, a modern form of acupuncture, may improve both thinking ability and mental wellbeing.
Breast cancer survival rates have improved greatly in recent years. Today, more than 90% of patients survive, and there are over 4 million survivors in the United States alone. However, many of these individuals continue to face long-term challenges even after their cancer is treated.
These challenges often include what people describe as “brain fog,” where it becomes harder to focus, remember things, or think clearly. Many also experience fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and emotional distress.
These symptoms can make daily life difficult and reduce quality of life. Patients often feel unprepared for these lasting effects, as the main focus during treatment is usually on removing or controlling the cancer itself.
To explore a possible solution, the research team led by Professor Alexandre Chan conducted a clinical trial. The study included 35 breast cancer survivors who were still experiencing these symptoms. The trial lasted for 10 weeks, and participants received weekly electroacupuncture treatments.
Electroacupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture, which involves placing thin needles into specific points on the body. In electroacupuncture, a gentle electrical current is added to the needles. This may increase the effect of the treatment and help stimulate the body more effectively.
In the study, participants were divided into two groups. One group received treatment at acupuncture points that are believed to be linked to brain and mental function. The other group received treatment at points that were not specifically chosen for these effects. This design helped researchers understand whether the location of the treatment made a difference.
The results were encouraging. People who received the targeted electroacupuncture showed clear improvements in attention and mental clarity. About 43% of participants in this group showed noticeable cognitive improvement, compared to only 12.5% in the control group.
The study also found improvements in emotional wellbeing. Participants reported less psychological distress, suggesting that the treatment helped not only thinking ability but also mood.
Brain scans provided further evidence. Researchers observed increases in gray matter in areas of the brain linked to thinking and memory. They also found changes in how different parts of the brain communicated with each other. In addition, blood tests showed reductions in markers linked to inflammation in the brain.
Importantly, the treatment was safe and well tolerated. Most participants experienced only mild side effects, which suggests that electroacupuncture could be a low-risk option compared to some medications.
When reviewing these findings, the study offers strong early evidence that a targeted, non-drug therapy can improve both cognitive and emotional symptoms in cancer survivors. The use of brain imaging and biological markers strengthens the results, as it shows that real physical changes are happening in the body.
However, the study also has limitations. It involved a small number of participants, and the results need to be confirmed in larger trials. More research is needed to understand how the treatment works and how it can be applied in different patient groups.
Overall, this research is an important step forward. It suggests that electroacupuncture could become part of supportive care for cancer survivors, helping them recover not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.
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Source: University of California, Irvine.
