Chemotherapy: Acupuncture’s Effect on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Gastric Cancer

Special drugs are used to relieve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as the biggest side effect of chemotherapy drugs. A recent study appearing in Current Oncology explored the effect of acupuncture on GI symptoms brought about by chemotherapy in patients who suffer from advanced gastric cancer.

A total of 56 patients was divided into an experimental and control group, with all patients receiving a combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin/paclitaxel. Patients in the experimental group got a half hour of acupuncture therapy every day for two weeks. Researchers noted the frequency and duration of any nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain the patients encountered. They also noted the average length of stay and cost of hospitalization, as well as quality-of-life scores.

Results

Nausea was sustained for 32 ± 5 minutes for the control group and 11 ± 3 minutes for the experimental group every day. Vomiting took place 2 ± 1 times daily in the experimental group and 4 ± 1 times daily in the control group, with abdominal pain being endured for 7 ± 2 minutes in the experimental group and 16 ± 5 minutes in the control groups. Lastly, diarrhea was experienced 1 ± 1 times daily in the experimental group and 3 ± 1 times daily in the control group. Quality-of-life scores ranked higher in the experimental group vs. the control group, with no negative events noted for the patients getting acupuncture.

Conclusion

Researchers found that acupuncture is a safe, effective technique in reducing GI symptoms brought on by chemotherapy. They also found it could improve the quality of life in patients suffering from advanced gastric cancer.

Contact Metro Detroit Acupuncture

For more information on acupuncture and its effectiveness in reducing GI symptoms as a result of taking chemotherapy drugs, call Metro Detroit Acupuncture today at 248-432-2846. Marino Moutafis, the founder and owner of Metro Detroit Acupuncture in Southeast Michigan, is a nationally certified acupuncturist and licensed by the Michigan Board of Acupuncture.