The Effects of Acupuncture and the Therapist´s Communication on Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting

A) Standard antiemetic treatment means receiving ordinary antiemetic medications. Within the group, the patients will be randomized to two communication types: 1) neutral communication or 2) strengthened positive communication regarding expected antiemetic effects of their treatment, using a standardized communication model.

"B) Sham acupuncture is administered bilaterally to a non-acupuncture point two body-inches proximal and one body-inch radial from PC6 using the telescopic Park Sham Device. The sham-needle is blunt and glides upward into its handle instead of penetrating. Marking tubes hold the needle in place. The therapist gives an illusion of manipulating the needle by turning it three times until it touches the skin, but no specific needle sensation (deqi) will occur. Within the group, the patients will be randomized to two communication types: 1) neutral communication or 2) strengthened positive communication regarding expected antiemetic effects of their treatment, using a standardized communication model."

C) Acupuncture will be administered bilaterally to the standard antiemetic point PC6 located two body-inches proximal of the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. Sharp acupuncture needles will be inserted into a depth of a half body-inch. The needles will be manipulated three times (at the start, middle and end of the treatment session) by twirling and lifting until deqi occurres. Within the group, the patients will be randomized to two communication types: 1) neutral communication or 2) strengthened positive communication regarding expected antiemetic effects of their treatment, using a standardized communication model.