Review of Contraindications for Oncology Acupuncture

암 환자의 침치료 금기증에 대한 고찰

Objectives : Contradictions for Oncology acupuncture were searched and reviewed to establish fundamentals for the appropriate contraindication guideline. Methods : In order to search contraindications for oncology acupuncture, domestic journals, books and online database of Pubmed were searched using the terms, cancer, tumor, acupuncture, safety, contraindications and guideline were below. Results : We found 7 papers and 1 book by the above methods. We reviewed and suggested the contraindications. Contraindications for oncology acupuncture are neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count : ANC less than $500/mm^3$), thrombocytopenia (platelets less than $50,000/mm^3$), anticoagulant use, spinal instability, tumour nodule, lymphedema, prosthesis, intracranial deficits, confused patients, significant arrhythmia, patient refusal to treatment, severe neurotic patients and intracardiac defribillator. Contraindications for using semi-permanent needles are neutropenia (ANC less than $500/mm^3$), splenectomy, valvular heart disease, B, C hepatitis and keloids. Conclusions : Acupuncture for cancer patients pose significant risks but these guidelines are proposed in the hopes of providing certain boundaries in practicing oncology acupuncture. A more systematic and rigorous research is needed to establish a more reliable oncology acupuncture guidelines.