Trial Information

Does Radiation Therapy Adversely Affect the Immune System, and Can Acupuncture Ameliorate the Effect? A Pilot Study

Research indicates that patients undergoing curative RT for various cancers experience
adverse immune effects, as indicated by reduced biomarker levels and activity. RT has been
observed to cause a striking reduction in total lymphocyte count, affecting mainly the
T-cells. Furthermore, the reduction in the lymphocyte count after RT has been correlated
with poorer outcome for bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, uterine cancer, and brain
metastases.

Research into the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been conducted to
determine the utility of these treatments in addressing the unmet needs of many patients
with cancer. There is preliminary evidence that acupuncture, in particular, is successful at
improving many cancer and treatment associated effects. Earlier studies have indicated that
acupuncture can play a role in regulating immune system response to various morbidities,
including chemotherapy induced immunosuppression. However, little research has examined is
potential for radiation therapy patients

This pilot study aims to assess a wide range of general immune biomarkers to identify
biomarkers most affected by RT. Through use of a symptom assessment survey, changes in self
reported symptoms will also be recorded. The feasibility of acupuncture as a strategy to
ameliorate any adverse immune or symptom effects will also be examined. This information
could be very useful in planning future studies on RT and the immune system, or the
potential immune benefits of acupuncture.