Introduction
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and often debilitating side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. CIPN is characterised by nerve damage that can result in numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of function in the hands and feet. This pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) by Bao et al. (2014) investigated the potential of electroacupuncture as a non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating CIPN symptoms in breast cancer patients.
Methods
The study included 11 breast cancer patients who had experienced CIPN after undergoing chemotherapy with taxanes, platinums, or vinca alkaloids. Participants were randomised into two groups: the electroacupuncture group (n=6) and the control group (n=5), which received sham acupuncture. The electroacupuncture group received treatment twice weekly for 8 weeks, with 20-minute sessions at acupoints believed to be relevant to neuropathy. The control group received sham acupuncture, where the needles did not penetrate the skin but maintained the appearance of a treatment session.
Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measure for the study was the change in the Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS) from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention. Secondary outcome measures included changes in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) questionnaire, and Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC).
Results
The electroacupuncture group showed a statistically significant reduction in NPS scores compared to the control group (P=0.026), indicating a decrease in neuropathic pain. The BPI and FACT/GOG-Ntx scores also improved, suggesting that electroacupuncture improved patients’ overall pain experience and quality of life. The PGIC scores demonstrated that patients in the electroacupuncture group perceived greater improvement in their CIPN symptoms compared to those in the control group.
Clinical Implications
The findings of this pilot study suggest that electroacupuncture may be a promising, non-pharmacological intervention for managing CIPN symptoms in breast cancer patients. The reduction in neuropathic pain and improvement in quality of life are particularly noteworthy, as these factors can improve patients’ overall well-being and ability to tolerate chemotherapy.
However, it is important to consider the limitations of the study. The sample size was small, and further research with larger sample sizes and diverse cancer patient populations is necessary to validate and generalise these findings. Additionally, the study used a sham acupuncture control group, which may not fully account for placebo effects. Comparisons with other active treatments or standard care would provide a more comprehensive understanding of electroacupuncture’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
Bao et al.’s pilot RCT offers valuable preliminary evidence for the use of electroacupuncture in managing CIPN symptoms in breast cancer patients. Clinicians should consider these findings when exploring non-pharmacological interventions for patients with CIPN, while remaining mindful of the need for further research. As with any intervention, it is essential to individualise treatment plans and collaborate with patients to determine the most appropriate course of action based on their needs and preferences.
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Reference:
Bao, T., et al. (2014) – This pilot RCT examined the effect of electroacupuncture for CIPN symptoms in breast cancer patients. The study suggested that electroacupuncture might help alleviate CIPN-related pain and improve patients’ quality of life.