ALS Untangled says acupuncture needs better studies before testing in a phase II trial
Original source
Acupuncture (opens in a new tab)Acupuncture has been described as reasonably safe, with possible biological mechanisms and early evidence from preclinical studies and case reports in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS Untangled says these findings are not enough to support endorsement for a phase II trial. Independent studies with confirmed diagnoses, appropriate controls and validated ALS outcome measures are needed first.
Why this matters
This review does not establish that acupuncture improves ALS or changes treatment. People with ALS should understand that the evidence remains early and that acupuncture has not been endorsed as a treatment or for a phase II trial on the basis of the evidence discussed.
Limitations and context
This is an independent expert review, not a new clinical trial. The evidence described consists of preclinical studies and case reports, and the review calls for independent replication and more rigorous study designs before further endorsement.