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Guo Z, Wang Y, Liu W, Huang H, Tang X, Wu Z, Lu L, Fan B, Cui S, Xu N. Acupuncture-related therapy for cancer-related insomnia: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2024; 85:103074. [PMID: 39128532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on acupuncture therapy for CRI is increasing; however, the credibility of the evidence remains unclear with controversial results, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to critically assess the evidence in SRs/MAs regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for CRI from various aspects and conduct an exploratory analysis to identify potential issues. METHOD Two reviewers conducted comprehensive searches in eight databases. SRs/MAs of randomized controlled trials are included. After screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers extracted data from eligible SRs/MAs and conducted a detailed assessment of methodological quality, risk of bias, and quality of evidence using AMSTAR-2, ROBIS, and GRADE tools. Meanwhile, we calculated the Corrected Covered Area (CCA) leveraging the GROOVE tool. After manually excluding duplicate studies, we assess the risk of bias of primary studies extracted from SRs/MAs and conducted exploratory meta-analysis. RESULT The comprehensive analysis included 10 SRs/MAs. The AMSRAT-2 results indicate significant methodological flaws in SRs/MAs, with the main issues focusing on the lack of provision of exclusion checklist for the studies. Furthermore, over half of the SRs/MAs have a high risk of bias due to incomplete retrieval and failure to follow the protocol. Most SRs/MAs demonstrated considerable completeness in reporting quality. Notably, the overall level of evidence is low. High overlap indicates redundant SRs/MAs. Exploratory analysis suggests that acupuncture therapy may be effective for CRI; however, with a high risk of bias, caution is needed in interpreting the results. Sensitivity analysis results are stable, and the funnel plot indicates no publication bias. Most SRs/MAs acknowledge the safety of acupuncture. CONCLUSION Currently, the credibility of acupuncture therapy for treating CRI is low and improvements are needed in methodology, risk of bias, and quality of reporting. Acupuncture therapy shows potential but lacks sufficient support; high-level evidence is warranted to elucidate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zining Guo
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuting Wang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenhao Liu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Haifu Huang
- Shenzhen Hospital (Fu Tian) of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiaorong Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhennan Wu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Liming Lu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Baochao Fan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shaoyang Cui
- Shenzhen Hospital (Fu Tian) of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Tsai AWW, D'Alessandro E, Brandão S, Guerreiro JB, Bassetto RM, Bandeira JS, Pai MYB, Höhl A, da Silva AV, Sant'Anna FM. Acupuncture in cancer care: a narrative review. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2024; 70:e2024S101. [PMID: 38865521 PMCID: PMC11164288 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2024s101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- André Wan Wen Tsai
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Eduardo D'Alessandro
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Sidney Brandão
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- The São Leopoldo Mandic Faculty of Medicine – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - João Bosco Guerreiro
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto – São José do Rio Preto (SP), Brazil
| | - Ricardo Morad Bassetto
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Institute of Scientific Chinese Medicine – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Janete Shatkoski Bandeira
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Neurofunctional Acupuncture Study Group – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Marcus Yu Bin Pai
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Institute of Scientific Chinese Medicine – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Adriano Höhl
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Alexandre Valotta da Silva
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Santa Casa de Bragança Paulista – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Fernando Mendes Sant'Anna
- Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – Macaé (RJ), Brazil
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Faria M, Teixeira M, Pinto MJ, Sargento P. Efficacy of acupuncture on cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 22:235-244. [PMID: 38493063 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients. Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue, with the great advantage of having little or no side effects, especially when compared with pharmacological pain-killers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer pain. SEARCH STRATEGY Six electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Scielo, b-On and Scopus) were searched for relevant articles about pain relief in cancer patients from their beginning until 2022 using MeSH terms such as "acupuncture," "electroacupuncture," "ear acupuncture," "acupuncture analgesia," ''oncological pain," and "cancer pain." INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where acupuncture was compared with no treatment, placebo acupuncture or usual care. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Three independent reviewers participated in data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias, and a meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the visual analog scale, numeric rating scale, or brief pain inventory. Secondary outcomes also assessed were quality of life, functionality, xerostomia, pain interference, and analgesic consumption. Results were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1124 participants were included in the meta-analysis, with the majority of the studies presenting a low or unclear risk of bias. Acupuncture was more effective in reducing pain than no treatment (SMD = -0.90, 95 % CI [-1.68, -0.12]), sham acupuncture (SMD = -1.10, 95 % CI [-1.59, -0.61]) or usual care (SMD = -1.16, 95 % CI [-1.38, -0.93]). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective intervention to reduce pain associated with cancer. Despite some limitations due to the low quality and small sample size of some included studies, as well as the different types and stages of cancer, acupuncture might provide an effective and safe treatment to reduce cancer pain. Please cite this article as: Faria M, Teixeira M, Pinto MJ, Sargento P. Efficacy of acupuncture on cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(3): 235-244.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Faria
- Núcleo de Investigação em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia, 1950-396 Lisboa, Portugal; Clínica São João de Deus, 1700-048 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mónica Teixeira
- Núcleo de Investigação em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia, 1950-396 Lisboa, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV (Rede de Química e Tecnologia/Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde), Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Paulo Sargento
- Núcleo de Investigação em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia, 1950-396 Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Estudos Avançados em Direito "Francisco Suarez", 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
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de Valois B, Young T, Zollman C, Appleyard I, Ben-Arye E, Cummings M, Green R, Hoffman C, Lacey J, Moir F, Peckham R, Stringer J, Veleber S, Weitzman M, Wode K. Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice (peer-reviewed expert opinion). Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:229. [PMID: 38483623 PMCID: PMC10940387 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up-to-date recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in integrative oncology are overdue with new cancer treatments and an increase in survivors with late effects of disease; 17 years have elapsed since Filshie and Hester's 2006 guidelines. During 2022/2023 an expert panel assembled to produce updated recommendations aiming to facilitate safe and appropriate care by acupuncturists working with people with cancer. METHODS A core development team comprising three integrative oncology professionals comprehensively updated pre-existing unpublished recommendations. Twelve invited international experts (senior acupuncturists with and without experience of working in oncology settings, oncologists, physicians and nurses trained in integrative oncology, researchers, academics, and professional body representatives) reviewed the recommendations. In multiple iterations, the core team harmonised comments for final ratification. To aid dissemination and uptake the panel represents national and international integrative oncology associations and major cancer treatment centres in Europe, USA, Australia, and the Middle East. RESULTS These recommendations facilitate safe care by articulating contra-indications, cautions, and risks for patients both on and off treatment (surgery, SACT, radiotherapy). Situations where acupuncture may be contra-indicated or practices need adapting are identified. "Red and Amber Flags" highlight where urgent referral is essential. CONCLUSION These are the first international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed recommendations for safe acupuncture practice in integrative oncology. Concerns about safety remain a significant barrier to appropriate referral from oncology teams, to use by acupuncturists and to uptake by patients. Disseminating trustworthy, widely accessible guidance should facilitate informed, confident practice of acupuncture in and outside of oncology healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley de Valois
- Supportive Oncology Research Team (SORT), East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Incorporating Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, UK.
| | - Teresa Young
- Supportive Oncology Research Team (SORT), East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Incorporating Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mike Cummings
- British Medical Acupuncture Society, London Office, London, UK
| | - Ruth Green
- Imaging, Royal National Orthopaedic NHS Trust, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - Judith Lacey
- Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Comprehensive Cancer Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Susan Veleber
- Integrative Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew Weitzman
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathrin Wode
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Paiva EMDC, Moura CDC, Nogueira DA, Garcia ACM. Development and Validation of an Auricular Acupuncture Protocol for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:218. [PMID: 38255105 PMCID: PMC10815809 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Auricular acupuncture (AA) has been used to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). However, the application of the technique varies widely among the clinical trials that test its effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to develop and clinically validate an AA protocol for the management of CINV in cancer patients. This study was carried out in two stages: (1) development of the AA protocol for the management of CINV and (2) clinical validation of the protocol. The content validity of the protocol was determined by a panel of specialists, with an agreement rate ranging from 85.7% to 100%. In the clinical validation, when administered to cancer patients, the protocol developed has been shown to reduce the incidence, frequency, severity, and length of nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy, as well as the severity of nausea and anticipatory nausea following chemotherapy. This protocol needs to be tested in future studies, including a pilot study with a sham group and a randomized clinical trial, in order to further evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, safety, and clinical usefulness for the management of CINV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Mara das Chagas Paiva
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, Nursing School, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.M.d.C.P.); (C.d.C.M.); (D.A.N.)
| | - Caroline de Castro Moura
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, Nursing School, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.M.d.C.P.); (C.d.C.M.); (D.A.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denismar Alves Nogueira
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, Nursing School, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.M.d.C.P.); (C.d.C.M.); (D.A.N.)
- Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, Nursing School, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.M.d.C.P.); (C.d.C.M.); (D.A.N.)
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lee B, Kwon CY, Lee HW, Nielsen A, Wieland LS, Kim TH, Birch S, Alraek T, Lee MS. Different Outcomes According to Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5875. [PMID: 38136419 PMCID: PMC10741764 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous acupuncture studies have been conducted on cancer-related pain; however, its efficacy compared to sham acupuncture remains controversial. We confirmed whether the outcome of acupuncture differs according to the needling points of sham acupuncture for cancer-related pain. We searched 10 databases on 23 May 2023 to screen acupuncture trials using sham acupuncture or waiting list as controls for cancer-related pain. Sham acupuncture was classified into two types, depending on whether the needling was applied at the same locations as verum acupuncture (SATV) or not (SATS). A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed on the basis of a frequentist approach to assess pain severity. Eight studies (n = 574 participants) were included in the review, seven of which (n = 527 participants) were included in the NMA. The pain severity was not significantly different between SATV and verum acupuncture, but verum acupuncture significantly improved pain severity compared to SATS. The risk of bias affecting the comparisons between the verum and sham acupuncture was generally low. Previous acupuncture trials for cancer-related pain showed differing outcomes of sham and verum acupuncture, depending on the needling points of sham acupuncture. The application of SATV cannot be considered a true placebo, which leads to an underestimation of the efficacy of verum acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Won Lee
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea;
| | - Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - L. Susan Wieland
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine Hospital, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Stephen Birch
- Kristiania University College, School of Health Sciences, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (S.B.); (T.A.)
| | - Terje Alraek
- Kristiania University College, School of Health Sciences, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (S.B.); (T.A.)
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Institute of Health Sciences, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea;
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Cathcart-Rake EJ, Tevaarwerk AJ, Haddad TC, D'Andre SD, Ruddy KJ. Advances in the care of breast cancer survivors. BMJ 2023; 382:e071565. [PMID: 37722731 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer survivors may experience significant after effects from diagnoses of breast cancer and cancer directed therapies. This review synthesizes the evidence about optimal management of the sequelae of a diagnosis of breast cancer. It describes the side effects of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy and evidence based strategies for management of such effects, with particular attention to effects of therapies with curative intent. It includes strategies to promote health and wellness among breast cancer survivors, along with data to support the use of integrative oncology strategies. In addition, this review examines models of survivorship care and ways in which digital tools may facilitate communication between clinicians and patients. The strategies outlined in this review are paramount to supporting breast cancer survivors' quality of life.
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Xu X, Zheng Y, Jiang M, Hu H, He X, Fang J, Jiang Y. Research Trends on Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Treatment Over the Past 15 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2433-2446. [PMID: 37483408 PMCID: PMC10361276 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s418643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Currently, acupuncture for shoulder pain has been widely used in clinical and scientific research worldwide, but the bibliometric literature on acupuncture for shoulder pain is still scarce. This study reviews the application of acupuncture in the treatment of shoulder pain over the past 15 years, to analyze the current state of research, research hotspots, and trends. The article can also provide a reference for future research. Methods This paper searches the core collection of the Web of Science database for publications related to acupuncture therapy for shoulder pain between 2008 and 2022. And the data were visualized and analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace for annual publications, countries, institutions, journals and co-cited journals, authors and co-cited authors, keywords, and emergent keywords. Results A total of 135 papers were included, with an overall increasing trend in the number of annual publications. The country with the highest centrality in publishing articles is the United States (0.28). In terms of research institutions, Kyung Hee University has the highest number of publications (18). In terms of authors, Lewith George, Lind Klaus, MacPherson Hugh, Sherman Karen J, and Vickers Andrew J are the five most published authors. Vickers, Andrew J. is the most co-cited author (50 times). In terms of journals, PAIN has the highest number of publications (82) and co-cited frequency (232), while the highest impact factor was BMJ-BRIT MED J (96.216). "Acupuncture" was the most frequently mentioned keyword (65 times), with the keyword "protocol" appearing the most recently. Emerging keywords that are still in vogue are "stroke", "systematic review" and "stimulation". Conclusion This study provides statistics on current research on the treatment of shoulder pain with acupuncture, which may be able to inform future research directions for all researchers and physicians, as well as facilitate closer communication and collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinnan Xu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zheng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minjian Jiang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hantong Hu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofen He
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Jiang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
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Correia de Carvalho M, Azevedo P, Pires C, Machado JP, Laranjeira M, Nunes de Azevedo J. Integrating Acupuncture into a Dialysis Center. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101463. [PMID: 37239749 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing interest in integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and conventional medicine (CM) to create a more comprehensive approach to healthcare has been verified. Scientific evidence supports acupuncture as an integrative treatment for specific health conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance and feasibility by patients and healthcare professionals of integrating acupuncture in a dialysis center. Individuals undergoing hemodialysis (HD) who participated in a patient-assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effect of acupuncture on functional capacity and quality of life were included. Acceptance was measured by adherence (percentage of patients who completed treatments and dropouts) and patients' and healthcare professionals' opinions toward acupuncture (pre- and pro-intervention questionnaires). Feasibility was measured by safety (number of reported adverse events) and effectiveness (changes in functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, and health-related quality of life scores after treatment). Forty-eight patients were included, and forty-five (93.8%) were analyzed. No adverse events were reported. All patients completed the treatment, and only three patients (6.2%) were lost to the 12-week post-treatment follow-up. The attitudes of patients and health professionals were favorable to acupuncture, namely in relation to its use, degree of discomfort, recommendation to others, and interference with routine care and clinical setting. Integrating acupuncture into a dialysis center seems viable and well-accepted by patients with kidney failure on maintenance HD, doctors and nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Azevedo
- TECSAM-Tecnologia e Serviços Médicos SA, 5370-530 Mirandela, Portugal
| | - Carlos Pires
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin-Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Laranjeira
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INC-Instituto de Neurociências, 4100-141 Porto, Portugal
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Cramer H. Above All, Do No Harm! … But if You Do, Then Report It. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:207-208. [PMID: 37053577 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Holger Cramer
- Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany
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11
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Huber C, Zhang L, Schlaeppi M, Müller T, Roll S, Voiss P, Barth J, Driessen C, Witt CM. Acupuncture in chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia (AcuDysg): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066137. [PMID: 36898749 PMCID: PMC10008328 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysgeusia is a common side effect of chemotherapy in patients with cancer, but to date, there is no effective treatment. Many patients with cancer request complementary medicine treatment in addition to their cancer treatments, and acupuncture is highly accepted for patients with cancer; however, evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for dysgeusia is scarce.The study investigates the effectiveness of an additional dysgeusia-specific acupuncture plus self-acupressure intervention compared with supportive acupuncture plus self-acupressure intervention alone for chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia in patients with cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multicentre, randomised, controlled and two-armed parallel-group, single-blind trial involving 130 patients. Both groups will receive eight sessions of acupuncture treatment over a period of 8 weeks and will be trained to perform self-acupressure (eLearning combined with therapist instruction) at predefined acupressure points once a day during the whole treatment period. Patients in the control group will receive supportive routine care acupuncture and self-acupressure treatment only; in addition to this treatment, the intervention group will receive the dysgeusia-specific acupuncture and acupressure within the same treatment session. The primary outcome is the perceived dysgeusia over 8 weeks, measured weekly after the acupuncture treatment. Secondary outcomes include the indices from the objective taste and smell test, weight loss, perceived dysgeusia, fatigue, distress, nausea and vomiting, odynophagia, xerostomia and polyneuropathy, as well as quality of life at the different time points. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Cantonal Ethics Committee (CEC) (Kanton Zürich Kantonale Ethikkommission) (approval no. KEK-ZH-Nr. 2020-01900). The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS DRKS00023348, SNCTP000004128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Huber
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linxin Zhang
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Schlaeppi
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Kantonsspital St Gallen, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Twyla Müller
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Roll
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Voiss
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Driessen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Klafke N, Bossert J, Kröger B, Neuberger P, Heyder U, Layer M, Winkler M, Idler C, Kaschdailewitsch E, Heine R, John H, Zielke T, Schmeling B, Joy S, Mertens I, Babadag-Savas B, Kohler S, Mahler C, Witt CM, Steinmann D, Voiss P, Stolz R. Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) with Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Clinical Recommendations from a Systematic Scoping Review and an Expert Consensus Process. Med Sci (Basel) 2023; 11:medsci11010015. [PMID: 36810482 PMCID: PMC9944490 DOI: 10.3390/medsci11010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Most individuals affected by cancer who are treated with certain chemotherapies suffer of CIPN. Therefore, there is a high patient and provider interest in complementary non-pharmacological therapies, but its evidence base has not yet been clearly pointed out in the context of CIPN. Methods: The results of a scoping review overviewing the published clinical evidence on the application of complementary therapies for improving the complex CIPN symptomatology are synthesized with the recommendations of an expert consensus process aiming to draw attention to supportive strategies for CIPN. The scoping review, registered at PROSPERO 2020 (CRD 42020165851), followed the PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines. Relevant studies published in Pubmed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL between 2000 and 2021 were included. CASP was used to evaluate the methodologic quality of the studies. Results: Seventy-five studies with mixed study quality met the inclusion criteria. Manipulative therapies (including massage, reflexology, therapeutic touch), rhythmical embrocations, movement and mind-body therapies, acupuncture/acupressure, and TENS/Scrambler therapy were the most frequently analyzed in research and may be effective treatment options for CIPN. The expert panel approved 17 supportive interventions, most of them were phytotherapeutic interventions including external applications and cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and tactile stimulation. More than two-thirds of the consented interventions were rated with moderate to high perceived clinical effectiveness in therapeutic use. Conclusions: The evidence of both the review and the expert panel supports a variety of complementary procedures regarding the supportive treatment of CIPN; however, the application on patients should be individually weighed in each case. Based on this meta-synthesis, interprofessional healthcare teams may open up a dialogue with patients interested in non-pharmacological treatment options to tailor complementary counselling and treatments to their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Klafke
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jasmin Bossert
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Kröger
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Petra Neuberger
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ute Heyder
- Women’s Clinic, Community Hospital Karlsruhe, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Monika Layer
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marcela Winkler
- Department of Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christel Idler
- Department of Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Elke Kaschdailewitsch
- Center for Integrative Oncology, Die Filderklinik, 70794 Filderstadt-Bonlanden, Germany
| | - Rolf Heine
- Anthroposophic Nursing Network in Germany, Academy for Nursing Professions at the Filderklinik, Die Filderklinik, 70794 Filderstadt-Bonlanden, Germany
| | - Heike John
- Clinic for Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tatjana Zielke
- Clinic for Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Beeke Schmeling
- Clinic for Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sosamma Joy
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45136 Essen, Germany
| | - Isabel Mertens
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45136 Essen, Germany
| | - Burcu Babadag-Savas
- Clinic for Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sara Kohler
- Department of Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Mahler
- Department of Nursing Science, Institute of Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claudia M. Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zürich and University of Zürich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Diana Steinmann
- Clinic for Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Petra Voiss
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45136 Essen, Germany
| | - Regina Stolz
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Kim SA, Lim S, Won T, Yeo S. Acupuncture for cancer patients with nausea and vomiting: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e31478. [PMID: 36701706 PMCID: PMC9857488 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nausea and vomiting are among the most common adverse effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing treatment worldwide. Their treatment with pharmacologic therapy can often be complicated by medication interactions and other unwanted side effects. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy for treating nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer. METHODS Three electronic databases and 2 clinical registry platforms will be searched from inception to May 2022: the MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase via Ovid, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials via the Cochrane Library, the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and National Institutes of Health Clinical trials.gov. Search terms will include nausea, vomiting, cancer, and acupuncture. Two researchers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. The primary outcome will be the incidence of nausea and/or vomiting or other validated outcome measures. Meta-analysis will be carried out using RevMan V.5.4. The quality of evidence from randomized clinical trials will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System tool. RESULTS The results will provide a high-quality synthesis of evidence for clinicians in the field of oncology. CONCLUSION The conclusion is expected to provide evidence to determine whether acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for cancer patients with nausea and vomiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-A Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sabina Lim
- Department of Meridian and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Sabina Lim, Department of Meridian and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
| | - Tiana Won
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujung Yeo
- Department of Meridian and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
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Acupuncture for Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184419. [PMID: 36139579 PMCID: PMC9496910 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is a serious threat to women's health. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing symptom in BC patients during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy that severely affects quality of life (QoL). AT is widely used for fatigue management. However, the effect of AT on CRF is still uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AT in the management of CRF in patients with BC. Eleven databases were searched through June 2022. Two researchers independently performed the database search, study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Study selection was performed based on predefined Participants, Intervention, Comparators, Outcomes, Study design (PICOS) criteria, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when reporting the results. A meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane systematic review method using RevMan 5.3. A total of 12 studies including a total of 1084 participants were included. The results showed that AT had a beneficial effect compared with sham AT (n = 256, SMD = -0.26, 95% CI [-0.51, -0.01], p = 0.04, I2 = 0%) and a long-term effect on fatigue score (n = 209, MD = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.59, -0.04], p = 0.02, I2 = 0%). Meta-analysis showed that AT had a beneficial effect compared with usual care (UC) on fatigue scores (n = 238, SMD = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.66 to -0.12], p = 0.005, I2 = 0%). Of the 12 articles, 3 articles were judged as having a low risk of bias in all domains and hence were of high quality. No serious adverse effects were identified. AT is an effective and safe treatment for CRF, and AT is more effective than sham AT or UC or wait-list control (WLC). Nevertheless, the methodological quality of most of these studies was low, and the included studies/sample sizes were small, so the ability to derive decisive implications was limited. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
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15
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Choi TY, Ang L, Jun JH, Alraek T, Lee MS. Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Cancer-Related Fatigue: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102347. [PMID: 35625952 PMCID: PMC9139178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acupuncture, per se, is not used for treating cancer. However, acupuncture is used for treating several cancer-related symptoms, such as, for example, pain, antiestrogen-induced hot flashes, as well as cancer-related fatigue (CRF). There are several studies that assess the evidence of acupuncture for palliative cancer treatment; but there are none for CRF. The aim of this overview, therefore, was to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate the current evidence of the efficacy of AT in the management of CRF. Abstract Although acupuncture (AT) is used in the treatment of CRF, the evidence from different systematic reviews (SRs) of AT has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. Moxibustion, which is a treatment method that is well established within Traditional East Asian Medicine, applies the heat of burning herbs towards or onto special points on the skin. Commonly, the herb Artemisia vulgaris, is used. It has been used for palliative cancer care, as well as for CRF. The aim of this overview was to evaluate the efficacy of AT and moxibustion in the management of CRF. Eleven databases were searched through for studies that were published from their dates of inception to February 2022. The study selection, the data extraction, and the assessment were performed independently by two researchers. The methodological and report quality were assessed by using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) tool. The evidence quality was evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Fifteen SRs on AT (n = 10) and moxibustion (n = 5) treatments for CRF were included, and they include 169 randomized controlled trials and 14,392 participants. All of the SRs that were evaluated by the AMASTAR-2 had more than one deficiency, and so all of the SRs were rated as either low or critically low. For the GRADE, 18 outcomes were rated as very-low-quality evidence, 13 as low-quality evidence, 3 as moderate-quality evidence, and 0 as high-quality evidence. Most of the SRs reached the potential benefits of AT for CRF. No serious adverse effects were identified. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that, despite the advantages of AT in terms of the improvement in and the safety of the treatment of CRF, the methodological quality of most of these studies is low, which limits our ability to draw definitive meanings. Further research of high quality is needed in order to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Choi
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea; (T.-Y.C.); (L.A.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Lin Ang
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea; (T.-Y.C.); (L.A.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Ji Hee Jun
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea; (T.-Y.C.); (L.A.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Terje Alraek
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, 0107 Oslo, Norway;
- The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea; (T.-Y.C.); (L.A.); (J.H.J.)
- Correspondence:
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Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Oncology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095071. [PMID: 35564468 PMCID: PMC9104744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases. Increasing patients’ awareness and providing easier access to public information result in greater interest in alternative anticancer or unproven supportive therapies. Fear of cancer and limited trust in the treating physician are also important reasons leading patients to seek these methods. Trust and good communication are essential to achieving truthful collaboration between physicians and patients. Given the popularity of CAM, better knowledge about these alternative practices may help oncologists discuss this issue with their patients. This article objectively reviews the most common unconventional therapies used by cancer patients.
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