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Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Jeanette Ezzo1, Andrew Vickers, Mary Ann Richardson
1JPS Enterprises, Baltimore, MD 21209, USA. jeanetteezzo@prodigy.net
Summary
Acupuncture-point stimulation, particularly electroacupuncture, effectively reduces acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Acupressure also shows promise for managing acute nausea in cancer patients receiving antiemetics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Chemotherapy often causes significant nausea and vomiting.
- Effective management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is crucial for patient well-being and treatment adherence.
- Acupuncture-point stimulation is explored as an adjunct therapy for CINV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of acupuncture-point stimulation in managing acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- To compare different modalities of acupuncture-point stimulation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Included trials utilized needle acupuncture, electroacupuncture, magnets, or acupressure.
- Data were pooled using a fixed-effects model.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture-point stimulation reduced the proportion of acute vomiting (RR=0.82).
- Electroacupuncture and needle acupuncture showed significant reductions in acute vomiting.
- Acupressure demonstrated a reduction in acute nausea severity.
Conclusions:
- Electroacupuncture shows benefit for acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
- Acupressure may reduce acute chemotherapy-induced nausea severity.
- Further research is needed for refractory symptoms and with state-of-the-art antiemetics.