Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Anorexia: a Review of the Current Evidence

  • Wenli Liu
  • , Gabriel Lopez
  • , Santhosshi Narayanan
  • , Aiham Qdaisat
  • , Yimin Geng
  • , Shouhao Zhou
  • , Michael Spano
  • , Susan Underwood
  • , Marie G. Eclache
  • , Rony Dev
  • , Shalini Dalal
  • , Eduardo Bruera
  • , Lorenzo Cohen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Loss of appetite/anorexia is extremely common among cancer patients, affecting as many as half of newly diagnosed patients and 70% of patients with advanced disease. Effective management of this disabling symptom of cancer remains a major challenge in the field of oncology. We conducted a systematic review of the current evidence on acupuncture and/or moxibustion as an intervention for cancer-related anorexia. Recent Findings: Acupuncture, as a part of traditional Chinese medicine practice, has demonstrated effectiveness in managing many cancer- and treatment-related symptoms, especially chemotherapy-induced or postoperative nausea. However, the efficacy of acupuncture in treating cancer-related anorexia/loss of appetite is not clear. Summary: The current level of evidence is insufficient to make a definitive conclusion on the benefit of acupuncture/moxibustion for treating chronic cancer–related anorexia/appetite problems. Future large randomized controlled trials of high methodological quality are needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number82
JournalCurrent oncology reports
Volume23
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology

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