Evaluation of Acupuncture in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Aim To clinically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture when used in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Background During cancer treatment, certain chemotherapies can cause varying degrees of PN. Patients' quality of life can be seriously impaired through loss of sensation, pain or mobility problems. Conventional medications routinely used to manage neuropathic symptoms have poor side-effect profi les and there is little or no evidence justifying their use to treat chemotherapy-related neurotoxicities. There are studies suggesting that acupuncture may be an effective therapy in treating PN across a number of different aetiologies. Design A retrospective service evaluation. Method Patients (n=18) were referred for acupuncture by the medical staff and/ or nurse specialists or they self-referred for treatment. A course of six weekly acupuncture sessions was offered to them, and their details were recorded on an evaluation form prior to session one. Points were selected by acupuncturists, based on patient presentation, and needles remained in situ for 30-45 min. Treatments took place in outpatient clinics, chemotherapy day case ward or a drop-in clinic based in a physiotherapy gym. The evaluation form was completed at the end of session 6 by a therapist who had not been involved in patient care.

Use of Acupuncture in Hospices and Palliative Care Services in the Uk

“…One cohort study showed improvement in symptoms in 82% and a controlled trial showed improved nerve conduction studies following acupuncture. 49 …”

Relationship between Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Quality of Life in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

“…Therefore, intensive studies are currently underway to prevent and alleviate CIPN symptoms [15][16][17][18][19], and attempts are being made to standardize CIPN assessments [20]. Nevertheless, there are a limited number of studies concerning the QOL of cancer patients who experience CIPN-related symptoms [11,20,21], and studies on the CIPN-QOL relationship in patients with hematologic malignancies are rare.…”

Assessment and Treatment of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy- a Physical Therapy Perspective

“…Treatments such as Acupuncture [80][81][82]; Sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture [83,84]; Kampo diagnosis and therapy [85] were documented in the literature. and included treatments such as TENS, hot/cold application, flexibility and strengthening exercises, and manual physical therapy methods such as nerve massage and nerve slider techniques (for those who present with positive nerve palpation and neurodynamic tests).…”