Researchers from Baylor University, University of Texas, and Johns Hopkins University have reported that hypnosis appears to reduce perceived hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on September 22.¹

Hot flashes can be a prominent problem in women with a history of breast cancer. Given concerns regarding the use of hormonal therapies in such patients, other non-hormonal means for treating hot flashes are required. Agents that have been used to treat hot flashes in women include Paxil® (paroxeine hci), Prozac® (fluoxetine), and Zoloft® (sertraline). These drugs are primarily used to treat depression. A recent study from Germany reported that the antidepressive agent Effexor® (venlafaxine) is more effective than Catapres® (clonidine) for the treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer.

The current study looked at the effects of hypnosis in 51 breast cancer survivors. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either five weekly sessions of hypnosis or no treatment. Hot flashes were reported to be diminished in 68% of patients receiving hypnosis. Patients receiving hypnosis also had self-reported decreases in anxiety, depression, interference of hot flashes with daily activities, and sleep problems.

Comments: These are impressive data and need to be confirmed in larger studies.

Related News:

Effexor® More Effective than Catapres® for Treatment of Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients (04/05/2007)

Paxil® Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients (10/20/2005)

Prozac™ Improves Hot Flashes in Women With Risk of Breast Cancer (04/19/2002)

Soy Phytoestrogens Do Not Alleviate Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer (03/21/2002)

Reference:

¹ Elkins G, Marcus J, Stearns V, et al. Randomized trial of a hypnosis intervention for treatment of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology [early online publication]. September 22, 2008.