Acupuncture for breathlessness in advanced cancer: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Breathlessness in advanced cancer, a frequent multicomponent and debilitating disorder, severely reduces function and quality of patients' life. Multiple studies have shown that non-pharmacological therapies can effectively palliate breathlessness in advanced cancer. However, no systematic review has investigated the application of acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological treatment, for breathlessness in advanced cancer. A systematic review will be conducted to summarise evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a therapeutic option for breathlessness in advanced cancer based on existing randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

RCTs will be retrieved from nine scientific databases, including the MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science via the Web

SUBMITTER: Yin Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8587468 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature