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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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Aguiar-Rosas S, Plancarte-Sanchez R, Hernandez-Porras BC, García-Andreu J, Lezcano-Velazquez BO, Reyes-Torres I, Alarcón-Barrios S. Pain management in cervical cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1371779. [PMID: 38725634 PMCID: PMC11079655 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371779] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) occupies the second place in incidence and mortality among women in México. Despite this, Cervical Cancer continues to have a late diagnosis which leads to a high rate of complications. Pain represents the most feared and disabling symptom, being present in up to 86% of patients with advanced disease. The approach to managing pain in this population has not been studied and described to a full extent. In addition, there is a pressing need to provide concise recommendations to promote adequate pain control. We performed a review of the literature in CC and had experts in the field of pain management evaluate the evidence found. We then issued relevant recommendations on pharmacology and interventional pain management. Thus, the approach to pain management must be comprehensive and individualized, considering the timely and appropriate use of pharmacologic treatment as well as interventional procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Aguiar-Rosas
- Pain Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
- Independent Researcher, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Plancarte-Sanchez
- Pain Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
- Independent Researcher, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge García-Andreu
- Star Medica Hospital, Queretaro, Mexico
- Independent Researcher, Queretaro, Mexico
| | | | | | - Silvia Alarcón-Barrios
- Pain Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
- Independent Researcher, Mexico City, Mexico
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Chen X, Ruan L, Jiang Q, Wang H. A commentary on "Acupuncture techniques and acupoints used in individuals under chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment of cancer: A systematic review". J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:1584-1585. [PMID: 38284494 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Department of Massage, Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linhan Ruan
- Department of Massage, Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiaohong Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hailiang Wang
- Department of Massage, Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
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de Sousa TR, Mattos S, Marcon G, Furtado T, Duarte da Silva M. Acupuncture techniques and acupoints used in individuals under chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment of cancer: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6917-6933. [PMID: 37382085 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe the main acupuncture techniques and parameters that have been used in the most varied symptoms of different types of cancer. BACKGROUND Clinical evidence about the potential effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies to control signs and symptoms associated with cancer or its treatment has been in several studies. Currently, there is already evidence of the use of acupuncture for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, insomnia and pain. However, many studies lack firm rights or reproducible guidelines for treatment. DESIGN This study performs a systematic review of clinical trials related to the topic, based on the PRISMA protocol. Thus, a search was carried out in the Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science databases, covering studies since January 2007. METHODS Structured and organised according to PICO standards, using keywords ("cancer" OR "malignant tumour" OR "chemotherapy" OR "radiotherapy") AND ("acupuncture" OR "electroacupuncture") AND ("pain" OR "nausea" OR "vomit" OR "fatigue" OR "xerostomia" OR "insomnia" OR "depression" OR "neuropathy"). RESULTS After the selection and evaluation phase, 23 studies were included and analysed. CONCLUSION Based on this analysis, it is concluded that acupuncture is safe and there is evidence of the reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, and improvement of cognitive capacity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Acupuncture treatments could act by minimising the side effects of conventional treatments and reducing symptoms induced by tumours. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The patients had no direct involvement with the study in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Regina de Sousa
- Program of Post-graduation in Neuroscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation (LANDI), Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Suzana Mattos
- Department of physiotherapy, Estacio de Santa Catarina University Center, São José, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Marcon
- Department of physiotherapy, Estacio de Santa Catarina University Center, São José, Brazil
| | - Thayná Furtado
- Department of physiotherapy, Estacio de Santa Catarina University Center, São José, Brazil
| | - Morgana Duarte da Silva
- Program of Post-graduation in Neuroscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation (LANDI), Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Robinson CL, Berger A, Sottosanti E, Li M, Kaneb A, Keefe J, Kim E, Kaye A, Viswanath O, Urits I. Acupuncture as Part of Multimodal Analgesia for Chronic Pain. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2022; 14:38321. [DOI: 10.52965/001c.38321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is a multifactorial condition that is afflicting populations worldwide causing an increasing economic, physical, mental, and emotional burden. Treatments range from medications to interventional procedures to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as acupuncture. This review aims to discuss the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain, proposed mechanisms, indications, and efficacy for various chronic pain conditions. Results Evidence is varied on the efficacy and quality of data on the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results in the support of acupuncture for the use in the treatment of cancer, neck, and back pain, functional dyspepsia, and various chronic abdominal pain syndromes. Conclusion Acupuncture, deemed well-tolerated and safe to use, has been increasingly studied and is regarded as effective in clinical practice, but its efficacy is limited by the lack of well-conducted, high-quality clinical trials, lower quality evidence, and conflicting study results. Additionally, the exact analgesic mechanism of acupuncture remains to be fully elucidated. Increasing evidence supports the role of acupuncture as therapy in the treatment of cancer, neck, and back pain and functional dyspepsia. Further rigorous studies are needed to fully assess the use of acupuncture in various chronic pain conditions, determine its indications, and optimal treatment schedule. Overall, future studies could benefit from better designed experimental studies, larger groups, and more objectives ways to measure pain reduction and symptom improvement.
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Morphine in Combination with Ketamine Improves Cervical Cancer Pain and Suppresses Immune Function via the JAK3/STAT5 Pathway. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:9364365. [PMID: 35492074 PMCID: PMC9050326 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9364365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The role of ketamine as an adjuvant for morphine in the treatment of cancer pain and immune functions has been confirmed. This study aimed to explore the role of morphine and ketamine on cancer pain and T cells of patients with cervical cancer (CC). Methods T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CC patients by positive selection using anti-CD3 beads. The isolated T cells were assigned into three groups: the control group, the morphine group, and the morphine + ketamine (Mor + Ket) group. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-17 and the corresponding mRNA expression in vitro were determined using ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Western blotting was used for detection of JAK3/STAT5 pathway-related proteins after naltrexone treatment in vitro. Afterwards, all the patients were further divided into the morphine group and the Mor + Ket group in accordance with the principles of the randomized and double-blind method to assess pain intensity. Results Our in vivo results showed that drug combinations relieved cancer pain more effectively than morphine intervention. The in vitro results demonstrated that the combination of morphine and ketamine may decrease CD4+ percentage, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-17 via the JAK3/STAT5 pathway. Conclusions Our finding indicated that morphine-ketamine combination could improve cancer pain and repress immune function via the JAK3/STAT5 pathway in the progression of CC.
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He L, Tan K, Lin X, Yi H, Wang X, Zhang J, Lin J, Lin L. Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pancreatic cancer related pain. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e23748. [PMID: 33592831 PMCID: PMC7870216 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer experience abdominal and back pain. Although pharmacologic medications provide some relief, many report inadequate analgesia and adverse effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive physical modality and had been widely applied for pain relieving, yet no study has investigated the effectiveness of TENS for pain in pancreatic cancer. METHODS Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to TENS group or control group. The primary outcome was percentage change of numerous rating scale (NRS) after treatment. Secondary outcomes included percentage change of analgesic medication consumption and effect on constipation and poor appetite. RESULTS One hundred seventy-one patients were recruited (84 to control group and 87 to TENS group). NRS in TENS group has been largely decreased 77.9% right after treatment and 27.1% in 2 hours, before applying any analgesic medication, while that in control group was slightly downregulated right after treatment but gave a trend to increase at 1, 2, and 3 hours. When comparing both groups, pain was significantly well controlled without analgesic medication supplement in TENS group at 0 hour (difference in mean percent change in NRS = 50.0 [95% CI, 50-51.4], P < .01) and 3 hours (difference in mean percent change in NRS = 134.0 [95% CI, 130.0-142.7], P < .01) after treatment, and this analgesic effect last to 3 weeks after treatment cycle (difference in mean percent change in NRS = 22.5 [95% CI, 17.6-27.3], P < .01) without increase of analgesic medication consumption. CONCLUSIONS TENS reduces pain without increase analgesic medication consumption in patients with pancreatic cancer pain. It provides an alternative therapy for pain in pancreatic cancer. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03331055.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua He
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong
| | - Keping Tan
- Department of Acupuncture, Provincial Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang
| | - Xianming Lin
- Department of Acupuncture, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Hui Yi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong
| | - Xueliang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong
| | - Jiangsong Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Jietao Lin
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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