Breast cancer survivors, especially those who are taking anti-estrogen medications, often suffer from debilitating hot flushes and trouble sleeping. In the latest issue of The Lancet Oncology, investigators from Illinois reported that stellate-ganglion blocks can provide survivors of breast cancer with relief from hot flushes and sleeping problems, with little or no side effects.

The stellate ganglion is a bundle of nerve tissue on either side of the voice box in the neck. Stellate-ganglion blocks involve injections of a local anesthetic into this nerve tissue in order to block sympathetic nerve signals. In this small pilot study, the investigators treated 13 breast cancer survivors who had hot flushes and episodes of night awakening with stellate-ganglion blocks. The participants kept a diary of their hot flushes and night awakenings starting from one week prior to the injection and for twelve weeks following the procedure. The investigators found that the participants experienced a statistically significant reduction in the number of hot flushes and night awakenings. By week 12 after the stellate-ganglion block, the number of severe hot flushes dwindled to nearly zero.

Although this study was very small, it does provide a basis for larger studies of stellate-ganglion block for the treatment of hot flushes in breast cancer. In addition to improving the quality of life for survivors of breast cancer, this potential therapy might make it easier for these women to tolerate their cancer-related medications.