Charlotte H Y Lau, Xinyin Wu, Vincent C H Chung, Xin Liu, Edwin P Hui, Holger Cramer, Romy Lauche, Samuel Y S Wong, Alexander Y L Lau, Regina S T Sit, Eric T C Ziea, Bacon F L Ng, Justin C Y Wu
Available systematic reviews showed uncertainty on the effectiveness of using acupuncture and related therapies for palliative cancer care. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize current best evidence on acupuncture and related therapies for palliative cancer care. Five international and 3 Chinese databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture and related therapies with conventional or sham treatments were considered. Primary outcomes included fatigue, paresthesia and dysesthesias, chronic pain, anorexia, insomnia, limb edema, constipation, and health-related quality of life, of which effective conventional interventions are limited...
March 2016: Medicine (Baltimore)