scholarly journals Pharmacopuncture for Cancer Care: A Systematic Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soyeon Cheon ◽  
Xiuyu Zhang ◽  
In-Seon Lee ◽  
Seung-Hun Cho ◽  
Younbyoung Chae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Pharmacological Medication

Background. Pharmacopuncture, injection to acupoints with pharmacological medication or herbal medicine, is a new acupuncture therapy widely available in Korea and China for cancer-related symptoms. However, the evidence is yet to be clear.Objective. To determine pharmacopuncture’s effectiveness on cancer-related symptoms.Methods. Eleven databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of pharmacopuncture in cancer patients. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) assessment tool was used for quality assessment.Results. Twenty-two studies involving 2,459 patients were included. Five trials of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) underwent meta-analysis. Pharmacopuncture significantly relieved severity of CINV compared with control group (3 trials, risk ratio (RR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–1.44). The frequency of CINV was also significantly reduced with pharmacopuncture (2 trials, RR 2.47, 95% CI = 2.12–2.89). Seventeen trials studied various symptoms, and in most studies, pharmacopuncture significantly relieved pain, ileus, hiccup, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms and improved quality of life in various cancer patients. ROB was generally high.Conclusion. It may be suggested with caution that pharmacopuncture may help various symptom relief in cancer patients, but it is hard to draw a firm conclusion due to clinical heterogeneity and high ROB of the included studies, hence warranting further investigation.

scholarly journals Clinical Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Chi-Chun Kuo ◽  
Chiao-Chen Wang ◽  
Wei-Lun Chang ◽  
Tzu-Ching Liao ◽  
Pei-En Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective. Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise for health improvement. However, a few studies were examining the association between Baduanjin Qigong exercise and cancer patients. This study is conducted to explore the clinical effects of the Baduanjin Qigong exercise among cancer patients. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of the Baduanjin Qigong exercise on cancer patients. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Airiti Library for all relevant studies from inception through December 31, 2020, without language limitations. Two authors independently screened selected studies, assessed the quality of included studies, and extracted information. Any disagreement was discussed with a third senior author. Summary estimates were obtained using meta-analysis with the random effects model. Results. Among the fourteen articles involved in the systematic review, ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Cancer patients with moderate-severe cancer-related fatigue were significantly less in the Baduanjin group compared with the control group (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.17, 0.42]). Three studies used the questionnaire of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) in the assessment of quality of life, and two used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). For FACT-B, the Baduanjin group scored significantly higher than the control group (mean difference = 11.04, 95% CI [9.56, 12.53]). For EORTC QLQ-C30, the Baduanjin group scored significantly higher than the control group (mean difference = 10.57, 95% CI [7.82, 13.32]). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score for sleep quality of the Baduanjin group is significantly lower than the control group (mean difference = −2.89, 95% CI [−3.48, −2.30]). Conclusion. In conclusion, we found the Baduanjin exercise had positive clinical effects on cancer patients. This meta-analysis not only supported that the Baduanjin exercise can alleviate the degree of cancer-related fatigue in patients but also improved their quality of life and sleep quality. Further long-term follow-up randomized controlled trials are warranted.

scholarly journals The Effects of Martial Arts on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6116
Author(s):  
Daniel Sur ◽  
Shanthi Sabarimurugan ◽  
Shailesh Advani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue

Background: To evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence of the effects of practicing martial arts by cancer patients and cancer survivors in relation to overall quality of life (QoL) and cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1 January 2000 to 5 November 2020 investigating the impact of martial arts were compared with any control intervention for overall QoL and CRF among cancer patients and survivors. Publication quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews. Results: According to the electronic search, 17 RCTs were retrieved including 1103 cancer patients. Martial arts significantly improved social function, compared to that in the control group (SMD = −0.88, 95% CI: −1.36, −0.39; p = 0.0004). Moreover, martial arts significantly improved functioning, compared to the control group (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39–0.96; p < 0.00001). Martial arts significantly reduced CRF, compared to that in the control group (SMD = −0.51, 95% CI: −0.80, −0.22; p = 0.0005, I2 > 95%). Conclusions: The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that the effects of practicing martial arts on CRF and QoL in cancer patients and survivors are inconclusive. Some potential effects were seen for social function and CRF, although the results were inconsistent across different measurement methods. There is a need for larger and more homogeneous clinical trials encompassing different cancer types and specific martial arts disciplines to make more extensive and definitive cancer- and symptom-specific recommendations.

scholarly journals The Effects of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Outcomes of Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Menglin Li ◽  
Yunyun Liu ◽  
Haoran Wang ◽  
Shuzhen Zheng ◽  
Yinhe Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Implantation Failure ◽  
Recurrent Implantation Failure ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Ivf Et

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and hopefully provide reliable guidance for clinicians and patients. Methods. Through searching domestic and foreign medical journals, the literature of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for RIF undergoing IVF-ET was collected. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis and Cochrane’s risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Results. Seven documents meeting the criteria were finally included. The results showed that the intervention group contributes more in outcomes including clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.90, 95% CI (1.51, 2.40), P < 0.05 ), biochemical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.27, 1.99), P < 0.05 ), embryo implantation rate (RR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.47, 2.45), P < 0.05 ), and endometrial thickness (MD = 1.11, 95% CI (0.59, 1.63), P < 0.05 ) when compared with the control group, and the difference is statistically significant. In terms of the number of embryo transfers and the type of endometrium, the difference between the acupuncture group and the control group was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Acupuncture therapy on patients with RIF can improve the pregnancy outcome of patients. It is a relatively effective treatment with satisfactory safety and suitable for clinical application. However, as the quality of the included studies is not good enough, the conclusion of this meta-analysis should be treated with caution. More double-blind RCTs equipped with high quality and large samples are expected for the improvement of the level of evidence.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Moxibustion: An Overview During 10 Years

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song-Yi Kim ◽  
Younbyoung Chae ◽  
Seung Min Lee ◽  
Hyejung Lee ◽  
Hi-Joon Park
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Breech Presentation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Language Restriction ◽  
Digestive Disorders ◽  
General Care

Moxibustion has been used to treat various types of disease. However, there is still insufficient evidence regarding its effectiveness. This study was performed to summarize and evaluate the effectiveness of moxibustion. A search was performed for all randomized controlled trials in PubMed between January 1998 and July 2008 with no language restriction. The results yielded 47 trials in which six moxibustion types were applied to 36 diseases ranging from breech presentation to digestive disorders. Moxibustion was compared to three types of control group: general care, Oriental medical therapies or waiting list. Moxibustion was superior to the control in 14 out of 54 control groups in 46 studies. There were no significant differences among groups in 7 studies, and the outcome direction was not determined in 33 studies. Seven studies were included in a meta-analysis. Moxibustion was more effective than medication in two ulcerative colitis studies (relative risk (95% CI), 2.20 (1.37, 3.52),P= .001,I2= 0%). Overall, our results did not support the effectiveness of moxibustion in specific diseases due to the limited number and low quality of the studies and inadequate use of controls. In order to provide appropriate evidence regarding the effectiveness of moxibustion, more rigorous clinical trials using appropriate controls are warranted.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Early Recovery of Bowel Function in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hua Liu ◽  
Guang-Tong Dong ◽  
Yang Ye ◽  
Jia-Bin Zheng ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Bowel Function ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Grade Approach

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture therapy to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI) and to enhance bowel function in cancer patients. Methods. A systematic search of electronic databases for studies published from inception until January 2017 was carried out from six databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the use of acupuncture and acupressure for POI and bowel function in cancer patients were identified. Outcomes were extracted from each study and pooled to determine the risk ratio and standardized mean difference. Results. 10 RCTs involving 776 cancer patients were included. Compared with control groups (no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and other active therapies), acupuncture was associated with shorter time to first flatus and time to first defecation. A subgroup analysis revealed that manual acupuncture was more effective on the time to first flatus and the time to first defecation; electroacupuncture was better in reducing the length of hospital stay. Compared with control groups (sham or no acupressure), acupressure was associated with shorter time to first flatus. However, GRADE approach indicated a low quality of evidence. Conclusions. Acupuncture and acupressure showed large effect size with significantly poor or inferior quality of included trials for enhancing bowel function in cancer patients after surgery. Further well-powered evidence is needed.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of self-help workbook intervention on quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: results of a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshimi Takano ◽  
Ayako Matsuda ◽  
Noriko Ishizuka ◽  
Yukinori Ozaki ◽  
Koichi Suyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Emotional Functioning ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Help

Abstract Background: A self-help workbook is expected to support cancer patients to cope with physical and psychosocial distress, to facilitate communication with medical staff, and to improve quality of life (QOL). We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help workbook intervention on QOL and survival. Methods: From June 2014 to March 2015, patients with breast, colorectal, gastric, and lung cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy were randomized into an intervention group (n = 100) or control group (n = 100). Intervention group participants received workbooks originally made for this study, read advice on how to cope with distress, and filled out questionnaires on the workbooks periodically. EORTC QLQ-C30 was evaluated at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was Global Health Status / QOL scale (GQOL). Results: No significant interaction was observed between the intervention and time in terms of GQOL or any of the functional scales. Among the 69 patients who continued cytotoxic chemotherapy at 24 weeks, the intervention was significantly associated with improved emotional functioning scores (P = 0.0007). Overall survival was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Self-help workbook intervention was feasible in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Although the effect of the intervention was limited, the intervention may improve emotional functioning among patients who receive long-term cytotoxic chemotherapy.Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000012842. Registered 14 January 2014, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000015002

scholarly journals Mycophenolate Mofetil in the Treatment of Steroid-Dependent or Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Xiang ◽  
Shi-Yuan Qiu ◽  
Mo Wang
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Steroid Dependent

Objectives: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) in children.Methods: We searched for the studies especially the randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan Fang database. The data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software. We used the GRADE pro-Guideline Development Tool online software to evaluate the quality of evidence.Results: Finally, we identified 620 studies, of which we included five randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort study with 447 children. The results showed the following: (1) the relapse-free survival rate within 1 year—the MMF group was superior to the levamisole group [ratio difference (RD) = 0.13, 95% CI (0.02, 0.24), P = 0.02] but not to the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) group [RD = −0.27, 95%CI (−0.40, −0.14), P &lt; 0.0001]; (2) the number of relapses within 1 year—the MMF group was less than that in the CNIs and levamisole group [mean difference (MD) = −0.26, 95%CI (−0.45, −0.08), P = 0.005]; (3) the cumulative prednisone dosage—the MMF group was lower than that in the control group [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.32, 95%CI (−0.53, −0.11), P = 0.003]; (4) incidence of adverse reactions—there was no significant difference between the MMF group and the control group [RD = 0.02, 95%CI (−0.04, 0.09), P = 0.46].Conclusion: The therapy of mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of SDNS or FRNS in children has a certain advantage in reducing the number of relapses and cumulative prednisone dosage within 1 year when compared with the CNIs and levamisole. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the conclusions above need to be confirmed by more high-quality randomized controlled trials.

scholarly journals Electroacupuncture for Hypertension in Adults: Study Protocol of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Furong Zhang ◽  
Pan Zhang ◽  
Yalan Chen ◽  
Hong Pei ◽  
Yuzhu Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Blood Pressure Response ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Study Results

Abstract Introduction: Hypertension is a common, prevalent cardiovascular disease that requires multidisciplinary treatments. In Asian countries, electroacupuncture (EA) is often used as an adjunct to antihypertensive drugs for lowering blood pressure and relieving related symptoms. However, till now the effects of EA for hypertension are not fully evaluated. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of EA in patients with hypertension through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Methods and analysis: Seven electronic databases including Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, and VIP Database will be searched from inception to May 30, 2021, to identify clinical trials of EA treating hypertension in adults. Eligible comparisons will be limited to 1) EA versus valid comparators including placebo, antihypertensives, waiting list and 2) EA as an adjunct to antihypertensives versus antihypertensives. Clinical outcomes include blood pressure, response rate, somatic symptom relief, quality of life, and safety from baseline to post-treatment. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool will be used to evaluate the quality of the included studies and the GRADE system will be employed to summarize the overall quality of evidence. Random-effects model will be performed, where efficacy data will be reported with mean difference (continuous data) or risk ratio (dichotomous data). In addition, heterogeneity and publication bias will be tested with the I2 statistic and the Egger’s test/funnel plot. Ethics and dissemination: As a secondary literature study, this systematic review doesn’t require ethical approval. The study results will be disseminated via peer-review publication or conference presentation. Registration: PROSPERO registration ID CRD42019133937.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Fish Oil in Preventing Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaohong Wu ◽  
Haifeng Geng ◽  
Yue Jiang ◽  
Wei Song ◽  
Xueping Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

To evaluate the efficacy of fish oil for protection against coronary heart disease (CHD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of fish oil for protection against CHD. We retrieved relevant articles published from January 1966 to January 2020 by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases. RCTs of fish oil in preventing CHD were selected. The study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool with RevMan 5.3 software. The first selection involved 350 citations. After screening and evaluation of suitability, 19 RCTs adjusted for clustering were included in the meta-analysis. All selected manuscripts considered that fish oil was effective in preventing CHD, secondary outcome measures included angina, sepsis and death. Compared with the control group, fish oil may confer significant protection against CHD (odds ratio = 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.98). There was no significant difference in the incidence of secondary outcomes between the observation group and the control group (P &gt; 0.05). The above results show that fish oil plays an important role in reducing CHD and cardiovascular events. However, because of the suboptimal quality of the studies included into the meta-analysis, these results do not justify adding fish oils systematically to the heavy pharmaceutical assortment already recommended in CHD patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document