Research on Electroacupuncture Parameters for Cancer Pain Based on Data Mining

Area of Science:

• Integrative oncology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Pain management

Background:

• Cancer pain is a significant complication requiring effective treatment.
• Electroacupuncture (EA) is increasingly used for cancer pain, but varied parameters hinder clinical application.
• Standardizing EA parameters is crucial for its translation into clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize common electroacupuncture stimulation parameters for cancer pain.
• To provide a data-driven basis for optimizing EA parameters and transforming acupuncture technology.
• To identify frequently used acupoints and their combinations in cancer pain treatment.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across nine major databases from January 2012 to September 2022.
• Data mining and visualization techniques were employed for analysis.
• Microsoft Excel, SPSS Modeler, and SPSS Statistics software were utilized for data management and analysis.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four studies were included, detailing common EA parameters: dilatational wave, 2/100 Hz frequency, 30-minute duration, daily treatment.
• Fifty-eight acupoints were identified, with Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP06) being the most frequently used.
• The Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming and Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin were commonly selected acupoint channels, with SP06 and ST36 identified as a key pair.

Conclusions:

• Frequently used EA parameters for cancer pain include dilatational wave, 2/100 Hz, 30-minute sessions, and specific acupoint selections.
• Further standardized, multi-center, large-sample clinical trials are needed to optimize EA treatment protocols.
• This research supports the development of TCM-characteristic technologies for effective cancer pain management.