The Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture on Cancer-related Symptoms and Side-Effects

Abstract

In addition to cancer-related death, malignant progression also leads to a series of symptoms and side-effects, which would detrimentally affect cancer patients' the quality of life, adversely influence their adherence to treatments, and, therefore, negatively affect their long-term survival. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA), as two classic treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine, have been widely employed to cure various diseases. Recently, the clinical application of acupuncture and EA in cancer patients has received great attention. In this review, we summarized the clinical application of acupuncture and EA in alleviating the cancer symptoms, reducing the cancer treatment-related side-effects, and relieving the cancer pain. The symptoms and side-effects discussed in this review include fatigue, insomnia, chemotherapy-associated dyspepsia syndrome (CADS), pain, xerostomia, and anxiety and depression. The underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and EA might be related to the regulation of the mitochondrial function, coordination of the activity of the nervous system, adjustment of the production of neurotransmitters, and alleviation of the immune responses. In conclusion, acupuncture and EA have been proved to be beneficial for cancer patients. More research, however, is required to clarify the potential mechanisms behind acupuncture and EA for widespread adoption in clinical application.

Acupuncture ameliorates breast cancer-related fatigue by regulating the gut microbiota-gut-brain axis

“…The HPA axis includes CORT, CRH, and ACTH. Numerous studies have shown that central inflammatory responses can disrupt the function of the HPA axis, reduce cortisol synthesis and release, and cause CRF ( 24 , 60 ). A randomized controlled trial found that the serum ACTH level in the CRF group was significantly higher than that in the non-fatigue group, and ACTH was highly positively-correlated with CRF ( 61 ).…”

“…Acupuncture is a non-drug treatment method that involves inserting fine needles into specific acupoints in the human body and is also an adjunct and alternative therapy widely used in clinical practice ( 24 ). The National Institutes of Health (USA) has recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for a variety of diseases.…”

Clinical Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms of Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Chemotherapy in Combating Cancer: A Review and Prospects

“…Although acupoint stimulation still needs to be incorporated into the cancer palliative care system, we cannot ignore the palliative effect of acupoint stimulation on cancer. For instance, acupoint stimulation is useful not only to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy but also to relieve tumor-related symptoms (including fatigue, insomnia, and cancer pain) and relieve tumor treatment-related side effects [including constipation caused by opioid peptides ( 72 ), lymphedema after breast cancer surgery ( 73 ), and knee pain caused by aromatherapy enzyme inhibitors ( 74 , 75 )]. Taking cancer pain as an example, acupoint stimulation is beneficial for patients with moderate to severe cancer pain.…”

Avaliação Dos Efeitos Do Uso Prévio De Contraceptivos Hormonais Sobre Área De Lesão Do Acidente Vascular Encefálico (Ave): Uma Revisão Da Literatura

“…Descritores: Hormônios, Isquemia, Lesão. Alguns estudos tem mostrado que a acupuntura pode contribuir para o tratamento dos eventos adversos (Greenle et al, 2017;Zhan, et al, 2021;Han, et al, 2021;Haddad & Palesh, 2014;Garcia, et al, 2018). A acupuntura tem como objetivo restaurar o equilíbrio dos canais meridianos, sendo que os chineses consideram que nosso corpo possui uma energia vital denominada , 2013;3-Garcia et al, 2018;4-Li et al, 2020;5-Ta, et al,2014;6-Mora et al, 2022;7-Kasymjanov, et al, 2013;8-Wu et al, 2015;9-Jang et al, 2020;10-Zhang et al, 2021;11-Chien, Liu & Hsu, 2013;12-Kon, et al, 2022;13-Zha, et al, 2022;14-Zhao et al, 2022;15-Chen et al, 2013;16-Zhou et al, 2017;17-Yang et al, 2021;18-Shen et al, 2015;19-Contim, Santo & Moretto, 2020;20-Pan, et al Para iniciar a discussão, é imprescindível realizar um breve histórico situacional para enfim, adentrar neste cenário de trabalho.…”