Electroacupuncture for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Clinical Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a significant problem for cancer patients, as the number of cancer survivors experiencing cognitive impairments is increasing in the absence of standard treatment. There have been attempts to improve the cognitive function of patients with cancer using acupuncture; however, no studies have been conducted using electroacupuncture. Thus, we designed a preliminary study to investigate the feasibility of a clinical trial using electroacupuncture in CRCI patients. Methods: We conducted a single-arm, pilot, clinical trial to investigate the feasibility of a study protocol for further large-scale clinical trials of electroacupuncture in CRCI patients. All participants were treated with electroacupuncture twice a week for 30 minutes at a time, for 8 weeks on acupoints GV20, GV24, EX-HN1, and GB20, HT7, PC6, and KI3. Both subjective and objective outcomes of cognitive function, quality of life (QoL), and psychological factors were measured in all participants at baseline, week 4, 8, and 12. For safety assessment, vital signs, laboratory examinations, and adverse events (AEs) were observed throughout the trial. Results: A total of 12 participants were enrolled at Daejeon and Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University from 21 April 2017 to 31 January 2018. After 8 weeks of treatment, electroacupuncture significantly improved both subjective and objective cognitive outcomes, including the perceived cognitive impairments scale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function, QoL scale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-C30, Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Boston Naming Test, Seoul Verbal Learning Test, and Rey Complex Figure Test. During the entire trial period, 19 AEs were observed, with no serious AEs. Additionally, it was found that all feasibility outcomes, including recruitment, completion, and adherence rates, achieved successful results as the ratio exceeded 0.8. Conclusion: Our study results revealed that electroacupuncture improved cognitive complaints in cancer patients, and we expect electroacupuncture to be a safe and effective management therapy for CRCI patients. These feasibility trial results will be used as preliminary data for future randomized controlled clinical trials. Trial registration number: Korean Clinical Trial Registry (KCT0002168).

Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) alleviates chemotherapy related cognitive impairment (CRCI) in breast cancer survivors: A pilot study based on resting‐state fMRI

“…Breast cancer survivors (BCs) were recruited in this research at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) aged more than 20 to under 73 years; (2) breast cancer diagnosed in adulthood; (3) FACT‐Cog‐PCI score < 63 27 , 28 ; (4) The patient complains of cognitive impairment after receiving conventional‐dose taxane‐ or anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. Exclusion criteria included history of other cancers, psychological disorders and dementia.…”

The Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) Intervention Alleviates Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Breast Cancer by Modulating Pan-Immune-Inflammation Values

“…(2) Perceived cognitive impairment (PCI) score in FACT-Cog reflects CRCI. 19,20 Complaints of decreased attention and memory function after chemotherapy. (3) Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score ≥80.…”

Role of Chinese Acupuncture in the Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Older Patients With Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective family member of combo acupoint stimulation [13]. Lyu et al [14] reported that EA could be effective in alleviating various side effects caused by anticancer drugs, such as pain, vomiting, fever, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. In addition, EA could promote the rehabilitation of pathological microstructures in the brain and improve the cognitive ability of patients with cognitive impairment.…”

“…In addition, EA could promote the rehabilitation of pathological microstructures in the brain and improve the cognitive ability of patients with cognitive impairment. Clinical trials [14,15] of acupuncture for preventing and managing mild cognitive impairment in older adults show that it can improve the clinical efficacy rate, Mini-Mental State Examination Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test score, and clock drawing task scores, suggesting that acupuncture can be an effective approach complementary to existing therapies. Evidences [14] from acupuncture in patients after an ischemic stroke support its role in the treatment of neurological deficits through modulation of neuroplasticity.…”

“…Clinical trials [14,15] of acupuncture for preventing and managing mild cognitive impairment in older adults show that it can improve the clinical efficacy rate, Mini-Mental State Examination Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test score, and clock drawing task scores, suggesting that acupuncture can be an effective approach complementary to existing therapies. Evidences [14] from acupuncture in patients after an ischemic stroke support its role in the treatment of neurological deficits through modulation of neuroplasticity. Chemobrain affects cognitive function, in particular, think and memory functions through various mechanisms, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which may lead to neurogenesis and glycogenesis reduction.…”