Analysis of the Choice of Control in Acupuncture Clinical Trials Involving Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Control group selection in clinical trials is challenging, especially in acupuncture studies. A PubMed literature review of control groups in breast cancer acupuncture studies was performed and identified 67 studies for analysis. Although the types of acupuncture controls varied, sham acupuncture was the most common type of control. The rationale and specification of the sham procedures, however, were incomplete and not standardized, despite the availability of guidelines. This may impact the interpretation and replicability of the study findings. A standardized and complete description and rationale for all acupuncture controls are necessary.

Keywords

• acupuncture
• breast neoplasms
• control groups
• placebos
• randomized controlled trials