Acupuncture for palliative cancer pain management: systematic review
Yang J, Wahner-Roedler DL, Zhou X, et al. · BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care · 2021 January 13
DOI 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002638
Objective
To critically analyse currently available publications regarding the use of acupuncture for pain management among patients with cancer in palliative care settings.
Conclusions
Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment associated with pain reduction in the palliative care of patients with cancer. Further high-quality, adequately powered studies are needed in the future.
Critical Appraisal
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Insights
Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment associated with pain reduction in the palliative care of patients with cancer.
Five studies (n=189) were included in this systematic review. Results indicated a favourable effect of acupuncture on pain relief in palliative care for patients with cancer. According to OCEBM 2011 Levels of Evidence, they were level 2 in one case (20%), level 3 in two cases (40%) and level 4 in the remaining (40%). Low-level evidence adversely affects the reliability of findings.
Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment associated with pain reduction in the palliative care of patients with cancer. Further high-quality, adequately powered studies are needed in the future.
