Our Summary

This research study aims to evaluate a new treatment method, called press needle therapy, for patients who have undergone radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Radical mastectomy is a surgery that removes the entire breast and often leads to a weakened immune system, which can cause complications and negatively affect a patient’s quality of life. Currently, there are not many effective treatments for this immune suppression.

The study will enroll 78 patients who will be divided into two groups: one will receive the actual press needle therapy and the other will receive a sham (fake) press needle therapy. This will be done five times a week for two weeks.

The main goal of this study is to measure the levels of certain cells (CD8+, CD4+, CD3+, and CD4+/CD8+ T cells) in the blood as these can indicate how well the immune system is functioning. The researchers will also assess any changes in the patients’ quality of life through a couple of questionnaires.

In addition, the survival and recurrence rates of these patients will be observed over a 5-year period. The safety of the treatment and any side effects will also be monitored.

By the end of the study, the goal is to provide scientific evidence for whether press needle therapy is effective and safe in improving immune function and quality of life in patients after breast cancer surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary aim of this research study on press needle therapy?
  2. What measures will be taken to assess the effectiveness and safety of press needle therapy in patients who have undergone radical mastectomy?
  3. How will the study determine changes in the patients’ quality of life post treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to follow a proper post-operative care plan, which may include physical therapy, pain management, and emotional support. It is important to communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare provider and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help support your immune system and overall well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone radical mastectomy for breast cancer are typically recommended press needle therapy if they are experiencing immune suppression and related complications as a result of the surgery. This includes patients who have a weakened immune system, are at risk for infections, and have a reduced quality of life due to these issues.

It is important to note that not all patients who have undergone radical mastectomy will be recommended for press needle therapy. Each patient’s individual medical history, current health status, and specific needs will be taken into consideration when determining if press needle therapy is appropriate for them.

Overall, patients who are experiencing immune suppression and related complications after radical mastectomy may benefit from press needle therapy as a potential treatment option to improve their immune function and quality of life.

Timeline

Before radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient receives a diagnosis of breast cancer and undergoes various tests to determine the extent of the disease.
  2. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of a radical mastectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, such as blood tests, imaging scans, and consultations with other healthcare providers.
  4. Patient undergoes radical mastectomy surgery, which involves the removal of the entire breast tissue.
  5. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and emotional distress following the surgery.

After radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient begins the recovery process, which may include pain management, physical therapy, and wound care.
  2. Patient may experience side effects such as lymphedema, numbness, and limited range of motion in the affected arm.
  3. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
  4. Patient may receive additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy depending on their individual treatment plan.
  5. Patient may experience changes in their body image, self-esteem, and quality of life as a result of the surgery and cancer diagnosis.

Overall, the timeline of a patient before and after radical mastectomy involves a series of medical interventions, emotional challenges, and physical changes that can impact the patient’s well-being and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and side effects of radical mastectomy?

  2. How will my immune system be affected by undergoing a radical mastectomy?

  3. Are there any effective treatments currently available for immune suppression after radical mastectomy?

  4. How does press needle therapy work and how might it benefit me as a patient who has undergone radical mastectomy?

  5. What is the difference between the actual press needle therapy and the sham (fake) therapy in this study?

  6. How often will I need to undergo press needle therapy sessions and for how long?

  7. What specific cells are being measured in my blood to assess my immune function during this study?

  8. How will my quality of life be evaluated during the study and what questionnaires will be used?

  9. What are the potential long-term outcomes of participating in this study, such as survival and recurrence rates?

  10. How will my safety be monitored throughout the study and what should I do if I experience any side effects from the press needle therapy?

Reference

Authors: Ying G, Yao W, Hongchun C, Ran Y, Tao L, Jinhao Z, Zhuohong LI. Journal: J Tradit Chin Med. 2023 Apr;43(2):374-378. doi: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20221226.002. PMID: 36994527