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Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Published on: June 21, 2024
Behavioral interventions in treating anticipatory nausea and vomiting
Colmar Figueroa-Moseley1, Pascal Jean-Pierre, Joseph A Roscoe
1University of Rochester James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Colmar_Figueroa-Moseley@ urmc.rochester.edu
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) significantly impacts chemotherapy patients. Behavioral interventions like progressive muscle relaxation and systematic desensitization show promise for managing ANV symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) is a distressing side effect for chemotherapy patients, reducing quality of life.
- Current pharmacological treatments, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonists, offer limited efficacy for ANV.
- Nonpharmacologic strategies are increasingly recognized as crucial for managing ANV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions for anticipatory nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients.
- To identify behavioral interventions with the strongest evidence base for ANV management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on nonpharmacologic and complementary/alternative medicine approaches for ANV.
- Analysis of studies evaluating behavioral interventions like progressive muscle relaxation and systematic desensitization.
- Assessment of evidence for acupuncture and acupressure in ANV treatment.
Main Results:
- Pharmacologic agents are insufficient for controlling ANV.
- Behavioral interventions demonstrate significant potential for ANV prevention and treatment.
- Limited evidence currently supports complementary and alternative methods like acupuncture for ANV.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral interventions, particularly progressive muscle relaxation and systematic desensitization, are recommended for ANV management.
- Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of complementary and alternative therapies for ANV.
- A multimodal approach integrating behavioral strategies is essential for improving patient outcomes.
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