Acupuncture as treatment of cancer-therapy induced fatigue: a critical systematic review with a focus on the methodological assessment of blinding.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acupuncture is a method of traditional Chinese medicine that has been adapted in the Western world. The objective of this study was to critically assess the evidence presented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effectiveness of acupuncture on fatigue in cancer patients.

Method

In April 2024 a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of acupuncture therapy on cancer patients.

Results

From all (1599) search results, 15 studies with 1346 patients were included. Acupuncture methods varied (e.g., traditional-, electro-, mind-regulating and ATAS-acupuncture) and were compared to sham acupuncture, usual care, or other controls. Studies comparing acupunctur

SUBMITTER: Voigtlander S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12783427 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature