Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients: a single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is a major first-line conventional therapy for advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, oxaliplatin causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Acupuncture has long been used to alleviate limb numbness in Chinese medicine practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for the alleviation of CIPN in CRC patients. Design: This was a pilot single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Setting/participants: Sixty eligible patients, who had been diagnosed with CRC and were undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to the EA intervention group or sham acupuncture (SA) control group. During a 12-week treatment period, patients in the EA group received EA once a week, while patients in the SA group received SA; both groups were followed up for 12 weeks. Results: Compared with the SA group, the EA group exhibited significant alleviation of CIPN severity during chemotherapy. Moreover, EA also improved the physical function, role function, and social function of CRC patients. However, there were no significant differences in tests of vibration or light touch sensation. In addition, EA appeared to be a safe treatment for CIPN and was both feasible and acceptable to CRC patients during chemotherapy. Conclusion: This study showed preliminary evidence for the efficacy and safety of EA in acute CIPN among CRC patients, although further studies are needed to verify these effects and to further explore the potential role of EA in chronic CIPN (effects on which remain unclear). Trial registration number: NCT03582423 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Non-pharmacological therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Additionally, four studies used interventions pooled as ME [ 28 , 33 , 34 , 37 ], and 13 studies used interventions pooled as UCP. One three-arm trial [ 31 ] conducted a direct comparison of sensorimotor training (SMT), WBV, and UCP, two used cryotherapy [ 32 , 38 ], six used Acu [ 25 , 30 , 35 , 36 , 39 , 40 ] and one used ultrasound and multicomponent exercise (USME [ 34 ]). The close loop of the network map was formed by SMT, WBV, and UCP.…”

“…Subgroup analysis was performed by different scales. Among the studies, 15 applied the FACT/GOG-Ntx subscale for assessment [15,25,28,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41], involving 667 participants. A higher score of this subscale indicated more mild neuropathological symptoms.…”

Mechanism and application of acupuncture and electro‐acupuncture associated with cancer therapy

“…Studies have shown that EA can improve postoperative pain in patients with esophageal cancer 288 and alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. [262][263][264] In a clinical trial of EA for chemotherapyinduced peripheral neuropathy, researchers established an EA group, a water bath group, a vitamin B1/B6 group, and a placebo group. The results showed no significant difference between the treatment group and the placebo group.…”

“…Furthermore, EA has been found to be effective in reducing pain caused by surgery or chemotherapy. Studies have shown that EA can improve postoperative pain in patients with esophageal cancer 288 and alleviate chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy 262–264 . In a clinical trial of EA for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy, researchers established an EA group, a water bath group, a vitamin B1/B6 group, and a placebo group.…”

Enhanced acupuncture therapy for radiotherapy-related neuropathic pain in patients with gynecologic cancer: a report of two cases and brief review

“…As a therapy of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is widely used for palliative and supportive care for cancer patients, and evidence is increasing over the years ( 10 ). Some studies suggested that acupuncture might be effective for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) ( 11 – 14 ). Based on the similar concept of acupuncture, acupuncture might have potential in the pain management of RRNP.…”