A Feasibility Study on Treatment of Uterine Fibroids with Tung's Acupuncture

Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the feasibility to conduct clinical studies on the treatment of uterine fibroids (UFs) and related symptoms with a 7-point Tung's acupuncture protocol. Methods: Nine participants who met the study criteria were recruited into 2 treatment groups, a 6-week and a 12-week group, with 5 and 4 participants, respectively, in each group. Acupuncture was given twice a week. Ultrasound examination was performed before and after the program to evaluate uterine size, number of fibroids, and volume. Symptom Survey Questionnaire (SSQ) for 14 symptoms was given to the participants every time receiving acupuncture. Results: All 9 participants completed the program. No adverse response nor concerns or complaints to the program was reported. The result from 1 subject was excluded from the study due to age limit. All 8 subjects reported improvement in SSQ after the 6-week acupuncture treatment. The reduction of the scores for 10 of the 14 surveyed symptoms was statistically significant. The average score showed reduction for both the 6- and 12-week groups, whereas the 12-week group appeared to have higher percentage reduction than the 6-week group. After 12 weeks of treatment, 9 of the 14 surveyed symptoms were completely eliminated. Ultrasound result for uterine size, number of fibroids, and volume was discussed. Subject recruitment, referrals, long-term follow-up, and challenges in the study were also addressed. Conclusion: It is possible to conduct clinical trial with larger sample size for the treatment of UFs with acupuncture. The study also suggests that acupuncture might reduce symptoms related to UFs. Larger trials with negative control groups and long-term follow-up may help to confirm the result. The changes in uterine size and UF volume cannot be adequately determined due to technical issues for ultrasound examination in the study.