Yoon, J., Jeon, J.H., Lee, Y.W., Cho, C.K., Kwon, K.R., Shin, J.E., . . . Yoo, H.S. (2012). Sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 5(4), 156–165.
Pilot the use of sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture to assess preliminary efficacy data
Six treatments were given by one certified oriental medicine doctor to patients over a three-week period. All patients were given skin tests prior to treatment. Adverse events were recorded after each session. The bee venom used incorporated melittin, an active extract from bee venom with allergens removed. The substance was injected into acupuncture points that were chosen in relation to the patients’ symptoms based on oriental medicine theory. Study measures were obtained at baseline; after two, four, and six treatments; and three weeks after treatments were completed.
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
Prospective trial—case series
Three patients who initially entered dropped out of the study—two due to symptoms that may have been associated with the injections, such as swelling and pain at the injection site and fever. Other therapies used by patients included red ginseng, herbal tonics, massage, foot/hand soaks, and pressure bands. All measures showed a decline in symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, and quality-of-life scores improved. VAS measures and WHO grade of peripheral neuropathy showed significant improvement (p ≤ .01).
Findings provide minimal evidence that sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture may have some benefit for treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Half of the patients dropped out of the study, and 30% had probably adverse events from injections.
This pilot study provides some evidence to suggest that pharmacoacupuncture with sweet bee venom derivative is appropriate for further research to determine its potential efficacy and safety in larger well-designed trials.