[Research progress on moxibustion therapy for improving chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression]

Area of Science:

• Integrative Oncology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression is a significant side effect impacting patient treatment.
• Moxibustion therapy is a traditional non-pharmacological approach used to manage this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the current research status of moxibustion for chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.
• To summarize clinical and experimental findings on moxibustion's efficacy and mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent clinical and experimental studies on moxibustion interventions.
• Analysis of data regarding moxibustion's effects on bone marrow suppression and related biological pathways.

Main Results:

• Clinical studies confirm moxibustion's effectiveness in tonifying spleen, nourishing kidneys, warming yang, and blood, improving bone marrow suppression.
• Experimental studies indicate moxibustion repairs bone marrow tissue, increases hematopoietic stem cells, enhances the microenvironment, repairs DNA, and regulates key signaling pathways (Notch, Wnt, PI3K/Akt/mTOR).
• Efficacy may vary based on chemotherapy regimens.

Conclusions:

• Moxibustion therapy is a viable non-pharmacological treatment for chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.
• Further research should explore mechanisms like alleviating stem cell aging and miRNA regulation.
• Investigating patient sensitivity to different chemotherapy regimens is crucial for standardizing moxibustion protocols.