Impact of acupuncture and integrative therapies on chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy: A multicentered, randomized controlled trial

Background To explore the impact of acupuncture with other complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities on chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and quality of life (QoL) in oncology patients. Methods In this prospective, pragmatic, and patient‐preference study, patients with CIPN were treated with acupuncture and CIM therapies (intervention group) or standard care alone (controls) for 6 weeks. Patients in the intervention arm were randomized to twice‐weekly acupuncture‐only (group A) or acupuncture with additional manual‐movement or mind–body CIM therapies (group B). Severity of CIPN was assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Taxane (FACT‐Tax) tool. Other QoL‐related outcomes were assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC); and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Well‐being questionnaire. Von Frey measurements examined perception thresholds. Results Of 168 participants, 136 underwent the study intervention (group A, 69; group B, 67), with 32 controls. Baseline‐to‐6‐week assessment scores improved significantly in the intervention arm (vs controls) on FACT‐Tax ( p = .038) and emotional well‐being ( p = .04) scores; FACT‐TAX scores for hand numbness/tingling ( p = .007) and discomfort ( p < .0001); and EORTC physical functioning ( p = .045). Intervention groups A and B showed improved FACT‐Tax physical well‐being ( p < .001), FACT‐TAX total score ( p < .001), FACT‐TAX feet discomfort ( p = .003), and EORTC pain ( p = .017) scores. Conclusions Acupuncture, with or without CIM modalities, can relieve CIPN‐related symptoms during oncology treatment. This is most pronounced for hand numbness, tingling, pain, discomfort, and for physical functioning.