{"id":715,"date":"2026-01-26T18:54:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T18:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bobih.org\/agopuntura-per-il-sostegno-al-malato-oncologico\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:25:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:25:24","slug":"agopuntura-per-il-sostegno-al-malato-oncologico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bobih.org\/en\/agopuntura-per-il-sostegno-al-malato-oncologico\/","title":{"rendered":"ACUPUNCTURE TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting from February 2026<\/h2>\n

Rome (Italy)<\/p>\n

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ACUPUNCTURE TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A free integrated acupuncture program with clinical and research purposes<\/h3>\n

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A concrete form of support during and after cancer treatments, aimed at relieving symptoms and improving well-being and quality of life through a scientific, person-centered approach<\/h3>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong>GENERAL INFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Dates: <\/strong> starting from February 2026<\/li>\n
  • Location:<\/strong> Acupuncture Medical Practice, Piazza Bologna area (Metro Line B) \u2013 ROME<\/li>\n
  • Duration:<\/strong> 1 treatment cycle of 8 sessions (1 session per week)<\/li>\n
  • Language:<\/strong> Italian<\/li>\n
  • Target group:<\/strong> patients with an oncological diagnosis (age \u226518 years)<\/li>\n
  • Available places:<\/strong> limited, advance booking required<\/li>\n
  • Acupuncture physicians responsible for the project: <\/strong>Dr. Valeria Sansone – Dr. Emanuela Serritella<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    ACUPUNCTURE: Why can it help cancer patients?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that acupuncture can represent a valuable integrative support in oncology, particularly for symptom management<\/strong> and improvement of quality of life. An overview of systematic reviews on oncology patients shows consistent benefits for pain, fatigue, insomnia, nausea\/vomiting, and overall quality of life, despite methodological heterogeneity among studies. Randomized trials and meta-analyses document a reduction in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when acupuncture is used as an adjunct to standard antiemetic therapy, improved control of cancer-related fatigue<\/strong>, and favorable effects on insomnia, hot flashes, and other functional symptoms, particularly in women with breast cancer undergoing hormonal therapy. Some studies also suggest a positive impact on mood, perceived energy, and emotional well-being<\/strong>, often measured using validated anxiety, depression, and quality-of-life scales. From a biological perspective, recent research indicates that acupuncture modulates neuro\u2013immuno\u2013endocrine circuits, with effects on inflammatory cytokines, signaling pathways (e.g., NF-\u03baB, PI3K\u2013Akt), endogenous opioid systems, and natural killer (NK) cell activity. These mechanisms may contribute to immune regulation<\/strong> and reduction of systemic inflammation<\/strong>, always within the framework of complementary\u2014not alternative\u2014therapy<\/strong> alongside conventional oncological treatments. (Essential bibliography available in the dedicated section)<\/em><\/p>\n

    In healthcare settings where acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are integrated into integrative oncology<\/strong> services\u2014such as in many cancer centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia\u2014significant improvements have been observed in symptom management, emotional well-being, sleep quality, and social functioning, along with high patient satisfaction. International SIO\u2013ASCO guidelines and the strategies of the World Health Organization now recognize that regulated, evidence-based integration of these practices alongside conventional cancer therapies can contribute to improved comfort, treatment tolerability, and quality of life.<\/p>\n

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    Why BOBIH has chosen to dedicate this project specifically to cancer patients<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Despite solid evidence and the widespread international adoption of integrative oncology, our healthcare system still lacks structured pathways<\/strong> that integrate acupuncture into support for oncology patients. This leaves a significant gap, particularly for a vulnerable population often burdened by aggressive treatments and symptoms that strongly affect daily life.<\/p>\n

    Moreover, many patients do not have access<\/strong> to safe, evidence-based complementary therapies or are unaware<\/strong> that acupuncture may help manage their symptoms. Oncology patients represent a \u201cspecial\u201d patient population: they experience profound changes in the body, emotional balance, and energy levels, and require comprehensive care that goes beyond pharmacological treatment alone.<\/p>\n

    BOBIH chooses to intervene precisely here:<\/p>\n

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      to address a gap in the healthcare system<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      to offer a free and accessible care pathway<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      to raise awareness<\/strong> within the medical and social context of a<\/strong> responsible, scientific, and person-centered integrative therapy approach<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      A free integrated pathway with clinical and research purposes<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The project \u201cAcupuncture to Support Cancer Patients\u201d<\/strong> offers each participant a free course of treatment combined with a scientific research program, with the aim of reducing symptom burden<\/strong> and improving overall well-being during cancer treatments and in subsequent phases.<\/p>\n

      The program includes:<\/p>\n

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        8 free acupuncture sessions<\/strong> (1 session per week for 8 weeks)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Treatment delivered by qualified and certified acupuncturists<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Use of a standardized clinical protocol<\/strong> based on scientific literature and tailored<\/strong> to predominant symptoms (nausea, pain, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, insomnia, mood disorders, hot flashes, xerostomia)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Joining the project means receiving a personalized acupuncture treatment pathway, while also contributing to an observational study<\/strong> that analyzes the impact of the therapy on patient well-being. Participation is voluntary<\/strong>, may be withdrawn at any time, and all collected data are processed anonymously<\/strong> in compliance with data protection regulations.<\/p>\n

        What data are collected<\/strong><\/p>\n

        To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, the following data are collected before and after the 8-session cycle:<\/p>\n

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          Basic clinical data:<\/strong> age, gender, diagnosis, ongoing treatments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Main symptoms:<\/strong> pain, nausea, neuropathy, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, xerostomia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Treatment course:<\/strong> use of symptomatic medications, adherence to treatment cycles, unplanned healthcare visits, or treatment modifications due to side effects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Validated questionnaires:<\/strong> tools that scientifically assess the impact of therapy on the care pathway and evaluate symptoms and multiple aspects of quality of life, such as the EORTC QLQ-C30<\/strong> or the PSQI<\/strong> (to be completed by participants)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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          A project dedicated to both the person and research<\/strong><\/p>\n

          BOBIH pursues this project with a dual objective:<\/p>\n

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            To provide<\/strong> oncology patients with concrete, free, and personalized support<\/strong>, promoting overall improvement of symptoms and quality of life during cancer treatment or follow-up phases<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            To generate scientific data<\/strong> useful for understanding the role of acupuncture in integrated care pathways and for promoting a more comprehensive and humane model of healthcare<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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            THE STUDY IS OPEN TO PATIENTS WITH A CONFIRMED ONCOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS<\/strong> OF ANY HISTOTYPE<\/strong> AND STAGE<\/strong>, AGED \u226518 YEARS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

            ACCESS TO THE PROJECT IS RESERVED FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO, AT THE TIME OF INFORMED CONSENT, ARE UNDERGOING ACTIVE ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT<\/strong> (CHEMOTHERAPY, RADIOTHERAPY, SYSTEMIC OR HORMONAL THERAPIES) OR<\/strong> WHO HAVE COMPLETED ACTIVE TREATMENT WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM OR WRITE TO <\/strong>info@bobih.org<\/strong><\/p>\n