Xie, J., Chen, L.H., Ning, Z.Y., Zhang, C.Y., Chen, H., Chen, Z., . . . Zhu, X.Y. (2017). Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with palonosetron on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Chinese Journal of Cancer, 36, 6-016-0176-1.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients receiving chemotherapy via an infusion to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were randomized to an active or placebo acupuncture group. Prior to chemotherapy, all patients received IV palonosetron. Patients received acupuncture 1–2 hours before chemotherapy, and more just after chemotherapy. Acupuncture was continued twice daily for six days. In the sham acupuncture group, electrodes were placed on the same acupoints for the same length of time and frequency, but no electrical stimulation was given. Severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting were recorded in patient diaries daily. P6, L14, and ST36 acupoints were used.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 142   
  • MEAN AGE = 56.5 years
  • AGE RANGE = 30–77
  • MALES: 68.3%, FEMALES: 41.7%
  • CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Primary or metastatic liver cancer
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: All were on cisplatin-based regimens.

Setting

  • SITE: Single site   
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified    
  • LOCATION: China

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized, controlled trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Visual analog scale (VAS) 0–10 for anorexia
  • MD Anderson Symptoms Inventory

Results

No significant differences in CINV existed between groups. Anorexia was lower in the active acupuncture group from the second day onward (p < 0.0002).

Conclusions

Electroacupuncture was not shown to have an effect on CINV but appeared to have benefit for reducing anorexia.

Limitations

  • Measurement/methods not well described
  • Of daily CINV scoring, values used in analysis were not described.

Nursing Implications

Electroacupuncture was not effective in reducing CINV in this study but appeared to have a positive effect on appetite. Additional research is needed to determine any potential role of acupuncture for anorexia in patients with cancer.