Using the NADA protocol to manage menopausal side-effects in women with early breast cancer

de Valois B^1,2, Young T¹, Robinson N², McCourt C³, Ashford R⁴, Maher EJ¹

¹Supportive Oncology Research Team, Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2RN, UK

²Centre for Complementary Healthcare and Integrated Medicine, Faculty for Health and Human Sciences, Thames Valley University, Walpole House, 18–22 Bond Street, London, W5 5AA, UK

³Centre for Research in Midwifery and Childbirth, Faculty for Health and Human Sciences, Thames Valley University, 32–38 Uxbridge Road, London, W5 2BS, UK

⁴Cancer Treatment Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2RN, UK

Objective

Following a successful study using traditional acupuncture to manage Tamoxifen-related menopausal symptoms, the objective of this study was to develop a treatment model suitable for delivery within the NHS. The National Addiction and Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture protocol was used to explore whether or not it could reduce hot flushes and night sweats. This study examined its effectiveness in managing treatment side-effects in women with early breast cancer and explored its acceptability to women and the NHS when delivered in group settings.

Materials and methods

In this quasi-experimental design with its own controls, 50 women taking Tamoxifen received eight weekly treatments using the NADA protocol (> 6 months’ post-active cancer treatment, taking Tamoxifen ≥ 6 months, experiencing four or more vasomotor incidents in 24 h). Outcome measures included Hot Flush Diaries (measuring frequency/severity), the Women’s Health Questionnaire and a Hot Flush Problem Rating Scale, administered at baseline and at 6, 10, 12 and 28 weeks.

Results

An interim analysis of 22 women who have so far completed the eight treatments shows a reduction in frequency from a mean of 10.32 flushes/day at baseline to 7.24 at the end of treatment (t = 3.72, P < 0.001). Analysis is ongoing, with results available by November 2004.

Conclusion

A standardised ear acupuncture protocol may be effective in managing treatment-related menopausal symptoms. Participants rated highly the experience of receiving treatment in small groups of five. This approach may offer a cost-effective model for use in the NHS.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Dr Richard Ashford and the West Herts NHS Trust Research & Development Department.

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