Acupuncture is widely used within oncology and contributes to a broad range of positive effects. Researchers in this study explored the mechanisms in which some of the beneficial immunomodulatory effects. They conclude that the positive effects in breast cancer patients in both terms of immunity and fatigue may be likely due to effects on the Leptin/AMPK signaling pathway.
The researchers found that, post acupuncture, the expression levels of both leptin and AMPK were reduced. Elevated levels of leptin is strongly linked to obesity-related conditions and AMPK is involved in metabolic, cardiovascular and cancer pathways. They conclude that "acupuncture treatment can reduce mitochondrial functional impairment by inhibiting the Leptin/AMPK signaling pathway, thereby improving post-chemotherapy fatigue in breast cancer patients".