The safety and efficacy of using moxibustion and or acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Authors

Carol Chunfeng Wang, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Ellen Yichun Han
Mark Jenkins, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Xuepei Hong
Shuqin Pang
Lisa Whitehead, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Deborah L. Kirk, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Anne Williams

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Palliative Care and Social Practice

Volume

16

Publisher

SAGE

School

School of Nursing and Midwifery

RAS ID

40621

Funders

Edith Cowan University (G1004342)

Comments

Wang, C. C., Han, E. Y., Jenkins, M., Hong, X., Pang, S., Whitehead, L., ... & Williams, A. (2022). The safety and efficacy of using moxibustion and or acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Palliative Care and Social Practice, 16, 1-16, 26323524211070569.

https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524211070569

Abstract

Introduction:

This study aimed to synthesise the best available evidence on the safety and efficacy of using moxibustion and/or acupuncture to manage cancer-related insomnia (CRI).

Methods:

The PRISMA framework guided the review. Nine databases were searched from its inception to July 2020, published in English or Chinese. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of moxibustion and or acupuncture for the treatment of CRI were selected for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the method suggested by the Cochrane collaboration. The Cochrane Review Manager was used to conduct a meta-analysis.

Results:

Fourteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Twelve RCTs used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score as continuous data and a meta-analysis showed positive effects of moxibustion and or acupuncture (n = 997, mean difference (MD) = −1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −2.75 to −0.94, p < 0.01). Five RCTs using continuous data and a meta-analysis in these studies also showed significant difference between two groups (n = 358, risk ratio (RR) = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26–0.80, I ² = 39%).

Conclusion:

The meta-analyses demonstrated that moxibustion and or acupuncture showed a positive effect in managing CRI. Such modalities could be considered an add-on option in the current CRI management regimen.

DOI

10.1177/26323524211070569

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