Tim Brunson DCH

Welcome to The International Hypnosis Research Institute Web site. Our intention is to support and promote the further worldwide integration of comprehensive evidence-based research and clinical hypnotherapy with mainstream mental health, medicine, and coaching. We do so by disseminating, supporting, and conducting research, providing professional level education, advocating increased level of practitioner competency, and supporting the viability and success of clinical practitioners. Although currently over 80% of our membership is comprised of mental health practitioners, we fully recognize the role, support, involvement, and needs of those in the medical and coaching fields. This site is not intended as a source of medical or psychological advice. Tim Brunson, PhD

Management of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients.



In breast cancer patients, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, urogenital problems, musculoskeletal symptoms and cognitive dysfunction are common, regardless of age at diagnosis. They affect quality of life and systemic therapy will worsen this. Endocrine and/or chemotherapy may induce temporary or permanent ovarian failure and can exacerbate these symptoms. Hormone therapy (HT) has been studied in breast cancer survivors, but safety has been questioned. The HABITS trial investigating estrogen-based HT, as well as the LIBERATE trial investigating tibolone, found a reduction in disease-free survival for those treated. Alternative strategies are needed, as menopause symptoms may reduce compliance with breast cancer treatments. This article reviews recently published strategies to tackle menopausal problems in breast cancer patients. Antidepressants may help with hot flashes. Acupuncture and hypnosis can also be used but the evidence is conflicting. For urogenital problems vaginal moisturizers or topical estrogens can be employed. A musculoskeletal syndrome induced by aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is frequently encountered and currently there are no effective treatment strategies. Bisphosphonates reduce AI-induced bone resorption and can also increase disease-free and overall survival. Standard-dose endocrine and chemotherapy are associated with a decline in cognitive function.

Maturitas. 2010 Dec 22. Loibl S, Lintermans A, Dieudonné AS, Neven P. German Breast Group, GBG Forschungs GmbH, Martin-Behaim-Str. 12, 63263 Neu-Isenburg, Germany.

Acupuncture in the oncology setting: clinical trial update.



Acupuncture, the insertion of sterile needles into acupuncture points of traditional meridians on the body, is a common and effective treatment for a number of supportive care issues in oncology including acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In the Integrative Oncology setting, acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine have become more visible and many oncology clinics, academic health centers and comprehensive cancer centers recommend and administer acupuncture treatment. Continued basic studies on the physiologic mechanisms of acupuncture and recent clinical trials of acupuncture for cancer patients are enhancing our knowledge and informing our guidelines. While debates on methodological problems confronting the study of acupuncture remain, the most recent research demonstrates that acupuncture is safe, tolerable and effective for a range of side effects resulting from conventional cancer treatments.

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2010 Dec;11(3-4):87-94. Capodice JL. Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York, USA. jc2346@columbia.edu

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