CBT-I bests acupuncture for treating insomnia among cancer survivors
REPORTING FROM ASCO 2018
Patients were randomized to receive either acupuncture sessions (10 sessions, with points selected to treat insomnia plus comorbid symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety) or CBT-I (7 sessions), each over the course of 8 weeks.
Main results showed that at the end of treatment, the reduction in Insomnia Severity Index was 8.3 points with acupuncture and 10.9 points with CBT-I (P = .0007), Dr. Mao reported. Benefit of each treatment was sustained after 12 weeks.
In stratified analysis, the rate of response (defined as a greater than 8-point reduction) was higher with CBT-I than with acupuncture among patients with mild insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index of 8-14) (85% vs. 18%; P less than .0001), but not among patients with moderate or severe insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index of 15 or higher) (75% vs. 66%; P = .26).
The two treatments were similarly efficacious with respect to quality of life, assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System over the entire course of the trial, for both the physical health component (P = .4) and the mental health component (P = .36).
Dr. Mao disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest. The study received funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
SOURCE: Mao JJ et al. ASCO 2018. Abstract 10001.
