Clinical Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Improving Cancer-related Fatigue

The aim of this study is to examine the clinical effect of laser acupuncture on improving cancer-related fatigue

This study adopted a randomized controlled design, 2-arm trial cross-over study. All eligible patients included in the study agreed to participated and signed the informed consent from and the study procedures were approved by the ethical committee of Taichung Tzu Chi general hospital (REC110-09). Patients were recruited from the hematology oncology department of Taichung Tzu Chi general hospital. After random assignment to 2 groups, patients in the RS and SR groups will receive real and shame laser acupuncture. Before laser acupuncture, one week later, we will evaluate the patient-reported cancer-related fatigue index and other co-morbid symptoms.

After random assignment to 2 groups, patients in the RS and SR groups will receive real and shame laser acupuncture (single blinding), six consecutive times every day.

This study will use German-made low-level laser pen (Al-Ga-As diode laser, 810nm, NIR, Physiolaser Olympic Basic, RJ laser). The parameters are power of 100mW, frequency of Bahr, apply on acupoint. Well will irradiate each point for 2 J. Each patient will receive this treatment six times for one week.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults between 18 to 85 years old Patients who signed the informed consent form Patients who have been given a diagnosis of cancer Able to communicate verbally and completely fill the questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: Patients who have given a diagnosis of cognitive impairment are unable to completely the questionnaires