In this video, Sarah P. Pustka, MD, MSIn this article, we will discuss current and emerging uses of acupuncture in the field of urology. Dr. Pustka was interviewed at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting, where he announced that he would be conducting a “Phase I/II Randomized Clinical Trial of In-Hospital Acupuncture Before BCG in Patients with High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.” A summary was published.1
Pustka is an associate professor of urology at the University of Washington Medical Center.
transcript
There is excellent data showing that acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and even acupressure therapy are useful in reducing perioperative nausea and vomiting, improving recovery of bowel function, and reducing the risk of ileus. For all of us who perform abdominal surgery, these are important endpoints to be aware of. There is also good data on pain relief. Additionally, a number of studies have looked at the use of acupuncture during anesthesia and how it reduces postoperative opioid requirements. So this is actually a very active area of research right now, with phase 2 and 3 trials investigating how acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and acupressure can intervene in these types of important surgical outcomes. There are many. And I think it’s important for urologists to be aware of them.Data for this trial1 What helped us develop the acupuncture intervention was what we learned from the overactive bladder space. Interestingly, there is also data showing that acupuncture can help reduce urinary urgency and frequent symptoms for patients with overactive bladder. So clearly the irritating symptoms are quite similar to those seen in patients receiving BCG therapy. And of course, this is at the heart of the theory behind his development of devices such as PTNS and InterStim. Therefore, there are many different ways in which these complementary and alternative therapies could potentially be used to alleviate symptoms in patients across the urology spectrum.
The transcript has been edited for clarity.
reference
1. Psutka SP, Veleber S, Siman J, et al. A phase I/II randomized clinical trial of in-hospital acupuncture prior to BCG in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. J Clin Oncol 41, 2023 (suppl 16; abstr 4590). doi: 10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.4590
