Work

Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients Undergoing Standard Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 80% to 85% of cases. While surgery and chemotherapy are primary treatments, their side effects—such as nausea, vomiting, and immunosuppression—significantly impact quality of life (QoL). Acupuncture and moxibustion, commonly used in Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM), are proposed to alleviate these effects, though their efficacy in NSCLC remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated their impact on QoL, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and immune function in NSCLC patients. Methods: Nine databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, OASIS, ScienceON, KISS, KMBASE, and RISS) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until April 2025. RCTs comparing acupuncture or moxibustion with standard care in NSCLC patients were included. Primary outcomes were QoL (QLQ-C30, KPS); secondary outcomes included CINV and immune markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio, TNF-α). Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool. Results: Thirty-nine RCTs (N = 3610) were included. Acupuncture and moxibustion significantly improved QoL (QLQ-C30 MD = 12.39; KPS MD = 8.22; both P < .00001), reduced CINV incidence (RR = 0.32, P < .00001), and enhanced symptom relief (RR = 1.16, P < .00001). Immune function markers, including CD3 (MD = 7.20, P = .0002), CD4 (MD = 4.89, P = .0003), and the CD4/CD8 ratio (MD = 0.22, P < .00001), were significantly increased, while TNF-α levels decreased (MD = −11.05, P = .04). Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion improve QoL, reduce CINV, and modulate immune function in NSCLC, supporting their complementary role.

Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies

DOI: 10.1177/15347354261419716

Authors: Dong-Hyeon Kim, Mi-Sun Park, Keon-Jun Lee, Jong-Ha Kwon, Ye-Jin Jin, So-Jung Park

Institutions: Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, Pusan National University, Daejeon University

Language: English

Topic: Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650