Acupuncture for Taxane-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is a prevalent chemotherapy side effect impacting patient quality of life.
• Effective management strategies for TIPN are crucial for maintaining patient well-being during cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of professional acupuncture versus self-administered press-tack needles for managing TIPN.
• To compare these interventions against a wait-list control group.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 48 TIPN patients.
• Three arms: professional acupuncture (12 sessions over 13 weeks), daily press-tack needle application, and a wait-list control.
• Primary outcome: change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for numbness; secondary outcomes: PRO-CTCAE, FACT-Tns, and analgesic costs.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in primary VAS endpoint between acupuncture and control groups.
• Acupuncture group showed significantly reduced interference from numbness/tingling and pain compared to controls (PRO-CTCAE).
• Acupuncture outperformed press-tack needles for numbness/tingling and improved FACT-Tns scores.

Conclusions:

• While underpowered for the primary outcome, secondary results suggest professional acupuncture can mitigate functional interference from TIPN.
• Acupuncture may improve quality of life related to neurotoxicity in cancer patients.
• Press-tack needles showed less efficacy than professional acupuncture for TIPN symptoms.