Impact of acupuncture and integrative therapies on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A multicentered, randomized controlled trial

Background: To explore the impact of acupuncture with other complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and quality of life (QoL) in oncology patients. Methods: In this prospective, pragmatic, and patient-preference study, patients with CIPN were treated with acupuncture and CIM therapies (intervention group) or standard care alone (controls) for 6 weeks. Patients in the intervention arm were randomized to twice-weekly acupuncture-only (group A) or acupuncture with additional manual-movement or mind–body CIM therapies (group B). Severity of CIPN was assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane (FACT-Tax) tool. Other QoL-related outcomes were assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC); and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Well-being questionnaire. Von Frey measurements examined perception thresholds. Results: Of 168 participants, 136 underwent the study intervention (group A, 69; group B, 67), with 32 controls. Baseline-to-6-week assessment scores improved significantly in the intervention arm (vs controls) on FACT-Tax (p =.038) and emotional well-being (p =.04) scores; FACT-TAX scores for hand numbness/tingling (p =.007) and discomfort (p <.0001); and EORTC physical functioning (p =.045). Intervention groups A and B showed improved FACT-Tax physical well-being (p <.001), FACT-TAX total score (p <.001), FACT-TAX feet discomfort (p =.003), and EORTC pain (p =.017) scores. Conclusions: Acupuncture, with or without CIM modalities, can relieve CIPN-related symptoms during oncology treatment. This is most pronounced for hand numbness, tingling, pain, discomfort, and for physical functioning.