Vickers, A.J., Feinstein, M.B., Deng, G.E., & Cassileth, B.R. (2005). Acupuncture for dyspnea in advanced cancer: A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial [ISRCTN89462491]. BMC Palliative Care, 4, 5.
Treatment consisted of two phases: acupuncture and acupressure. Patients were randomized to receive a single session of true or placebo acupuncture. Semi-permanent acupuncture studs then were inserted, and patients applied pressure to the studs twice a day to provide ongoing stimulation to acupuncture points.
Dyspnea scores were slightly higher for patients receiving true versus placebo acupuncture immediately after and for the one week daily follow-up, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Acupuncture technique as used in this trial is unlikely to have an effect on dyspnea.