Acupuncture and moxibustion in patients with cancer-related insomnia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Ou Y, Lin D, Ni X, Li S, Wu K, Yuan L, Rong J, Feng C, Liu J, Yu Y, Wang X, Wang L, Tang Z, Zhao L · Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2023 February 16
DOI 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1108686
Objective
Cancer-related insomnia (CRI) is one of the most common and serious symptoms in patients with cancer. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been widely applied in the treatment of CRI. Nevertheless, the comparative efficacy and safety of different acupuncture and moxibustion techniques remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of different acupuncture and moxibustion techniques in the treatment of CRI.
Conclusions
Acupuncture and moxibustion are effective and relatively safe in treating CRI. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was generally poor, and further high-quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
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Insights
Acupuncture and Moxibustion Show Promise for Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Acupuncture and moxibustion emerge as effective and safe interventions for chronic renal insufficiency, with Transcutaneous Electrical Acupuncture Stimulation showing the highest potential for efficacy.
Acupuncture, especially TEAS, is safer and more effective than medication for improving sleep quality in cancer related insomnia
Acupuncture methods like transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) and acupuncture+moxibustion were better for sleep than medication. Acupuncture had fewer side effects than medication with positive impact on canner-related insomnia linked to factors like melatonin regulation. Amongst all treatment types, TEAS was probably the more effective.
