Efficacy of Acupuncture in Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Background: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, frequently affects head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, leading to discomfort and impacting daily functions such as speaking and swallowing. Conventional treatments may offer limited relief and are often accompanied by undesirable side effects. Acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological intervention, is increasingly explored for its potential to mitigate xerostomia symptoms. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients experiencing radiation-induced xerostomia. Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted across several databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science, up to the current year. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated acupuncture's impact on salivary flow and symptom relief in adults with radiation-induced xerostomia. Primary outcomes were changes in salivary flow, with secondary outcomes including patient-reported symptom severity and quality of life metrics. The risk of bias was evaluated, and data were synthesized using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 11 RCTs involving 1271 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled data showed a moderate increase in salivary flow in the acupuncture group, effective in both resting and stimulated conditions. Additionally, acupuncture demonstrated significant benefits in reducing xerostomia symptoms and improving quality of life scores compared to control interventions. Subgroup analysis revealed that traditional acupuncture was more effective than Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Conclusions: The findings suggest that acupuncture may be an effective complementary treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia, offering relief from dry mouth symptoms and potentially improving quality of life. Further research should focus on standardizing acupuncture protocols to confirm these benefits across diverse patient populations.