Auricular acupressure: reducing side effects of chemotherapy in women with ovarian cancer

Abstract

Purpose Many women with ovarian cancer may experience adverse effects from adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Non-pharmacological interventions can be used to reduce these side-effects. We tested auricular acupressure to reduce treatment sideeffects in this population. Methods A prospective, quasi-randomized controlled trial was carried out at a publiclyfunded hospital in southern Taiwan. Thirty-four women in the intervention group received auricular acupressure at four points (Shenmen, Subcortex, Endocrine, and Heart), three times per day for three minutes per time, for 6 weeks. Thirty-one women in the control group received routine nursing care alone. The M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) was completed at four time points. Results After receiving the third cycle of chemotherapy, side-effect severity was elevated among both groups. Auricular acupressure reduced side-effects such as disturbed sleep (t =-11.99; p <.001, Eta Squared = .69), fatigue (t =-2.57; p <.01, Eta Squared = .10), and lack of appetite (t =-2.37; p = .024, Eta Squared = .08). Conclusion Auricular acupressure can reduce adverse side-effects of chemotherapy in women with ovarian cancer. Future studies with a larger sample and using some laboratory-based tests (such as C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6) are warranted to confirm the results.

What factors shape quality of life for women affected by gynaecological cancer in South, South East and East Asian countries? A critical review

“…Twenty-one articles described the impact of gynaecological cancer and treatment on women’s physical health [ 21 , 35 – 38 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 48 , 51 , 53 , 54 , 68 , 70 , 75 , 79 , 81 – 84 ]. Of these, 16 related to continued effects post-treatment [ 21 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 45 , 47 , 48 , 51 , 53 , 54 , 68 , 70 , 75 , 79 , 81 , 83 ]; and five involved women who were either post diagnosis [ 36 ] or were undergoing treatment at time of study [ 42 , 43 , 82 , 84 ]. Whether women had surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or a mix of treatment, is determined by the diagnosis and staging of the cancer, although in general, as in a Chinese study, women reported that the more extensive the treatment of any kind, the greater the adverse side effects [ 36 ].…”

“…In another study [ 79 ], women treated with radiotherapy and then chemotherapy reported both lower QOL and more severe menopausal symptoms than women who had only chemotherapy. Physical impacts affecting women’s QOL included sleep difficulties and insomnia [ 36 , 45 , 47 , 48 , 82 , 84 ]; urinary discomfort, unspecified ‘urinary disorders’ and incontinence [ 36 , 51 , 54 , 68 , 79 , 81 ]; numbness, including of the extremities [ 36 , 47 , 51 , 54 , 84 ]; lymphedema [ 47 , 51 , 54 ]; weakness or loss of strength [ 36 , 37 , 51 ]; hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms [ 45 , 54 , 68 , 82 ]; and restricted mobility [ 47 , 48 ].…”

“…In China, Taiwan and Japan, some women turned to alternative therapies to deal with physical effects of disease and treatment, including using traditional or herbal medicines, vitamins and acupuncture [ 36 , 47 , 51 ]. In Taiwan, auricular acupressure was used to manage chemotherapy side effects in ovarian cancer patients, and this reduced disturbed sleep, fatigue and appetite loss compared with women in the control group [ 82 ].…”

Invasive or noninvasive? A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of acupuncture and acupressure to treat sleep disturbance in cancer patients

“…The remaining 19 trials tested the effects of acupressure, with nine studies testing auricular acupressure (Fan et al, 2015; Kuo et al, 2018; Lin et al, 2021; H. Qi et al, 2016; Tsao & Creedy, 2019; Vallim et al, 2019; Wang & Zhang, 2017; Yeh et al, 2016; Yoon & Park, 2019) and ten testing body acupressure (Cheung, Yeung, Chau et al, 2020; Hoang et al, 2021; Li, 2020; Liu et al, 2016; Lu, 2019; Qi, 2018; Tang et al, 2014; Ye et al, 2020; Zhang et al, 2017; Zick et al, 2016; Supporting information 2). For auricular acupressure, researchers and practitioners taped vaccaria seeds, magnetic pellets, or crystal pellets on acupoints on the external ears of patients, and patients massaged the acupoints for stimulation.…”

Auricular Acupressure Effect on Autonomic Responses Evoked by a Cold Pressor Test in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Study

“…There is limited evidence about AA's efficacy, particularly in volunteers with an increased sympathetic tone. One report demonstrated the utility of AA in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in women with ovarian cancer [ 13 ]. A randomized controlled trial on postpartum women found that women who received AA had significantly lower average cortisol levels, heart rate, anxiety, and fatigue than women who were in the control group 5 days after delivery [ 14 ].…”