Reindl, T.K., Geilen, W., Hartmann, R., Wiebelitz, K.R., Kan, G., Wilhelm, I., . . . Driever, P.H. (2006). Acupuncture against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology. Interim results of a multicenter crossover study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 14, 172–176.
To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of acupuncture in pediatric oncology patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) as an adjunct to standard antiemetic therapy
Prior to the initiation of HEC, pediatric patients were randomized to either antiemetic medications alone or antiemetic medications with acupuncture. Patients received standard antiemetics for all cycles (5HT3 with or without dexamethasone and IV phenothiazine). Acupuncture was given on day 1 of chemotherapy and on subsequent days on demand. The first two courses of chemotherapy were included in the study.
Quasi-experimental, crossover design
Patients receiving acupuncture perceived that they had reduced chemotherapy-related side effects and higher levels of mental alertness.
Episodes of nausea and vomiting were not statistically different with or without acupuncture. One patient experienced pain during needling.
Pediatric patients receiving HEC may be open to acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in addition to standard antiemetic therapy. More research needs to be done to validate its benefit.