ASCO - Generating quality information regarding alternative therapies for cancer-treatment-related symptoms.

As a practice that focuses on patients with oncology diagnoses, one of our primary goals is to seamlessly integrate acupuncture into a conventional treatment plan. In this endeavor, we rely on the valuable information provided by the ASCO, the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Their publications, written with patient and clinician satisfaction in mind, have been instrumental in keeping us informed and knowledgeable about the most up-to-date research in the field. 

In particular, their 2023 article, Integrating Acupuncture Into a Cancer Treatment Plan, juxtaposes the various conditions acupuncture has been shown to help and discusses barriers to treatment. The table below is from this article and summarizes some of the symptoms we treat regularly. Many of these conditions are side effects of the endocrine therapy required for some HR-positive cancers. 

They also do a good job of dissecting the barriers to alternative treatment, namely that it can cost too much at a time when patients are already undergoing intensive, expensive treatment. 

We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Unite for HER organization. This collaboration allows us to provide acupuncture treatment to patients undergoing treatment for breast and ovarian cancer as well as metastatic treatment. Unite for HER plays a crucial role in alleviating the financial constraints mentioned in the ASCO article, providing a limited number of vouchers to patients for the full cost of treatment. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to patient care and well-being.