scholarly journals Assessment of the Haematological Alterations in Cervical Cancer Patients Attending Sabratha

2022 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-09
Author(s):  
Azab Elsayed Azab ◽  
Fikry Ali Abushofa ◽  
Hajar Musa Al Ghawi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
National Cancer Institute ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cervix Cancer ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals

Background: Cervix cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, and is the third most common malignant disease in women. It is one of the main health problems in Libyan women. Blood act as a pathological reflector of the status of exposed patient to infections and other conditions. Laboratory tests on the blood are vital tools that help detect any deviation from normal in the human body As the disease progresses, changes appear in haematological parameters which have been of relevant consideration in context of cancer patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the alterations in haematological parameters among cervical cancer patients in Sabratha National Cancer Institute. Subjects and Methods: The present study was conducted on 150 cervical cancer patients, attending the National Cancer Institute of Sabratha from the 11th February, 2006 to the 3rd February, 2020. This study was approved by the Research and Ethical Committee of Sabratha University and Sabratha National Cancer Institute. Age was extracted from patient files. Also, 60 healthy individuals without any chronic disease were recruited for the control group. Blood samples were collected by vein puncture, 3 ml of venous blood withdrawn from each participant in the study by using disposable syringes under aseptic technique; they then transferred to a sterile EDTA tube, for complete blood count. The statistical significance of differences between groups was evaluated with the Mann Whitney U test. Results: The results showed that the mean age of the cervix cancer patients was 53.37±11.6 years.RBCs count, hemoglobin concentration, Hct value, MCH, MCHC, and lymphocytes % were significantly (P<0.01) decreased compared with the healthy individuals. On the other hand, leukocytes and platelets count, mixed %, neutrophils %, PLTs/Lymph, and Neutrophils/Lymphocytes ratios were significantly increased as compared with the healthy individuals. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a significant increase in leukocytes and platelets count, mixed %, neutrophils %, and the studied inflammation related haematological parameters and a significant decreased in lymphocytes %, RBCs count and most its indices. Further haematological studies are needed to confirm these results. Also, there is need to routinely monitor the haematological parameters and among cervical cancer patients.

Variation of COVID-19 Specific Immunoglobulin's and Some Inflammatory Factors in COVID-19 Patients in the Sabratha Isolation Center, Western Libya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 01-09
Author(s):  
Azab Elsayed Azab ◽  
J.M. Jbireal ◽  
S. Alzahani ◽  
Rabia A. M. Yahya
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
D Dimer

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic causing significant mortality and morbidity and implementation of strict isolation measures. Serological testing can diagnose illness by detecting antibodies (IgM and IgG). Testing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is rapid and sensitive for the auxiliary diagnosis of COVID-19. The serum levels of CRP, D-dimers, and ferritin, which may be used in risk stratification to predict severe and fatal COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the variations in COVID-19 Specific Immunoglobulin's and Some Inflammatory factors in COVID-19 Patients in Sabratha isolation center, Western Libya. Subjects and Methods: Sixty Confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the Isolation Centre located in Sabratha city, Libya from the 2nd October 2020 to the 2nd June 2021, were enrolled in this prospective study. Covid-19 patients were defined as positive cases after the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in oro-nasopharyngeal swab samples. Data collected included demographic, clinical, and biological factors. Also, 30 healthy individuals without any chronic disease or respiratory symptoms were recruited for the control group. Blood samples were collected by vein puncture 5 ml of venous blood was withdrawn from each participant in the study by using disposable syringes under the aseptic technique; they were then transferred to a sterile tube for estimating biochemical parameters. Biochemical parameters were determined using automated COBAS E411 and INTEGRA 400 machines in the Sabratha Isolation Centre laboratory. The statistical significance of differences between groups was evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: The results showed that patients with COVID-19 had a significant (P<0.0001) increase in IgM levels at 0 day, 14 days, and 21 days, respectively compared with the healthy individuals. Also, IgG levels were showed a gradual significantly (P<0.0001) increase during COVID-19 Virus Infection among COVID-19 patients at 0 day, 14 days, and 21 days compared with the controls. In addition, coronavirus infection caused a significant (P<0.0001) increase in D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin levels compared with the healthy control individuals. Conclusion: It can be concluded that coronavirus infection caused a significant increase in IgM, IgG, D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin levels at different periods compared to the controls. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. COVID-19 Specific Immunoglobulin's and Some Inflammatory factors in COVID-19 Patients These changes in IgM, IgG, D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin levels during COVID-19 Virus Infection among COVID-19 patients may help the clinicians to better understand the COVID-19 and provide more clinical treatment options.

scholarly journals Host Genetic Polymorphism Analysis in Cervical Cancer

2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1218-1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S Calhoun ◽  
Renee M McGovern ◽  
Carol A Janney ◽  
James R Cerhan ◽  
Stephen J Iturria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Antigen Processing ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Polymorphism Analysis ◽  
General Hypothesis ◽  
Host Genetic

Abstract Background: The natural history of cervical cancer comprises a latency period that probably involves long-term immunologic tolerance of human papillomavirus infection. Identifying host determinants of viral persistence may help to better understand the mechanisms of tolerance and may lead to the development of tests that can allow more focused follow-up of high-risk individuals. Methods: Genotypic frequencies of 12 polymorphic loci in four candidate genes from 127 cervical cancer patients were compared with a control group of 108 female blood donors. Genotypes were determined by PCR amplification and direct sequencing of isolated genomic DNA. Results: The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) −238 polymorphism was significantly underrepresented in cervical cancer patients [heterozygotes (HETs), odds ratio (OR) = 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11–0.96], as was the TNFα −376 polymorphism (P = 0.02; 0% for any variant genotype in cases vs 4.7% in controls). The NRAMP1 3′ untranslated region STP+86 polymorphism also appeared to be inversely associated with cervical cancer, but this result did not reach statistical significance (HET, OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.32–1.02). The p53 codon 72 arginine allele showed a suggestive negative association with cervical cancer (HET, OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.14–1.63; homozygotes, OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.11–1.17). The remaining alleles tested showed no association with cervical cancer. Conclusions: We identified host genetic polymorphisms that may be associated with cervical cancer risk, some of which have been linked to potential functional effects on cellular immune responses or antigen processing. We failed to confirm earlier reports of increased cervical cancer susceptibility in women who harbor the p53 P72R allele. Although our findings support the general hypothesis that host immunogenetic determinants other than class II MHC may be important in the development of cervical cancer, further analysis of the HLA gene cluster comprising the implicated TNFα single-nucleotide polymorphisms will be required to determine whether their association is linkage independent.

Does Xbox 360 Kinect training improve postural balance in young healthy adults? A preliminary study. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Grabowicz ◽  
Anna Daniluk ◽  
Anna Hadamus ◽  
Dariusz Białoszewski
Keyword(s):  
Postural Balance ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Baseline Group ◽  
Before And After ◽  
P Balance

BACKGROUND Balance training in young adults may increase coordination, cognitive function or the symmetry of strength on both sides of the body. It is an essential tool for injury or fall prevention and a precondition for becoming a professional athlete. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Xbox 360 Kinect training on postural balance in young, healthy individuals. METHODS The study enrolled 75 individuals who were randomly assigned to three equal groups. The first group (Group VR) performed exercises on an Xbox 360 Kinect console, and the second group (Group T) performed conventional all-round exercises. The third group was a control group (Group C). Each group underwent balance assessments on the Biodex Balance posturographic platform, including the Balance Error Scoring System test, before and after the training cycle. The level of statistical significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS Group VR and Group T achieved statistically significant improvements in the sway index compared with baseline. Group T gained significant decrease in the sway index on the unstable surface (P=.002). Group VR and group T demonstrated significant decreases in the mean sway index on stable and unstable surfaces (group VR — P=.035; group T — P=.001) Group C did not achieve a statistically significant improvement in the sway index. None of the groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the test error count. CONCLUSIONS Virtual reality in the form of video games played on an Xbox 360 Kinect console may be an effective method of balance training in healthy individuals.

scholarly journals miRNA-486 and miRNA-499 in human plasma evaluate the clinical stages of lung cancer and play a role as a tumor suppressor in lung tumorigeneisis not pathogenesis

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youchao Jia ◽  
Aimin Zang ◽  
Yanguang Feng ◽  
Xiao-Fang Li ◽  
Ke Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients

<p class="Abstract">It was aimed to explore the expression level of miRNA-486 and miRNA-499 in the plasma of lung cancer patients and analysis their differences in expre-ssion. The expression level of both miRNA-486 and miRNA-499 in the plasma of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were lower than that of the control group (p&lt;0.05) and the decrease was more obvious in NSCLC. Compare with the miRNA-499，expression quantity in NSCLC patients plasma. There was statistical significance difference (p&lt;0.05) between III～Ⅳstage and I～II stage. The expression quantity of miRNA in plasma of patients with extensive-stage SCLC was lower than that of patients with limited-stage SCLC (p&lt;0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of plasms miRNA-486 respectively were 88.5% and 83.3%. The expression of miRNA-499 and miRNA-486 in lung cancer patients were up-regulated, and might be closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of lung cancer, and might be used as potential screening and prognosis index for lung cancer.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Efektivitas Slow Stroke Back Massage Dengan Minyak Aromaterapi Lavender Terhadap Penurunan Nyeri Penderita Kanker Serviks

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Sri Setyowati ◽  
Anik Rakhmawati ◽  
Sumarsih Sumarsih ◽  
Maria Indri Wigatiningsih
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Purposive Sampling ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Back Massage

Pain is one of the main complaints of patients with Cervical cancer patients caused due to tumor growth, infiltrats, the effects of repeated diagnostics and treatment procedures. The types of treatment which are often given to the patients are pharmacological therapies or drugs, which can provide many side effects when used in the long term. This study aimed to know the effects of slow stroke back massage technique combined with  lavender aromaterapy oil to reduce pain in patients with Cervical cancer in Dr. Kariadi Hospital. This study was a quantitative quasi experiment with randomized control group pretest-posttest design. The sampling was purposive sampling. The study involved 15 participants in the intervention group and 15 participants in the control group. The data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate analysis using wilcoxon test. The results showed that there were reduction of pain in the intervention groups with p = 0.000. This study revealed that slow stroke back massage technique combined with  lavender aromaterapy oil techniques as a non-pharmacological therapy provided an effect on the decrease of pain in cervical cancer patients. Based on the study, it is suggested that nurses apply slow stroke back massage technique combined with lavender aromaterapy oil techniques as a non-pharmacological therapy to reduce pain in cervical cancer patients. Keywords: Pain, cervical cancer, slow stroke back massage, lavender aromaterapy oil   Nyeri adalah salah satu keluhan utama pada pasien kanker serviks disebabkan karena pertumbuhan tumor, infiltrat di tempat lain, efek dari prosedur diagnostik dan perawatan yang berulang. Penanganan nyeri yang sering kali diberikan adalah pemberian terapi farmakologi atau obat-obatan yang memberikan banyak efek samping apabila digunakan dalam jangka waktu lama. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh teknik slow stroke back massage dengan minyak aromaterapi lavender terhadap penurunan nyeri pada pasien kanker serviks di RSUP Dr Kariadi Semarang. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif quasy eksperimental dengan metode randomized  control group pre test posttest design. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik purposive sampling yaitu 15 responden sebagai kelompok intervensi dan 15 responden sebagai kelompok kontrol. Analisa data dilakukan secara bivariat dan univariat dengan menggunakan uji wilcoxon. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan penurunan nyeri pada kelompok intervensi yang diberikan terapi slow stroke back massage dengan aromaterapi lavender dengan nilai p=0.000. Kesimpulan penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa teknik slow stroke back massage dengan minyak aromaterapi lavender sebagai terapi non farmakologis berpengaruh terhadap penurunan nyeri pada pasien kanker serviks. Saran: perawat diharapkan mengaplikasikan teknik slow stroke back massage dengan minyak aromaterapi lavender sebagai terapi non farmakologis untuk menurunan nyeri pada pasien kanker serviks. Kata kunci: Nyeri, Kanker Serviks, slow stroke back massage, minyak aromaterapi lavender  

scholarly journals Role of Regulatory B Cells in the Progression of Cervical Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhifang Chen ◽  
Yuejie Zhu ◽  
Rong Du ◽  
Nannan Pang ◽  
Fengbo Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Intraepithelial Neoplasia ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cell Percentage

This study is to investigate the role of regulatory B (Breg) cells in cervical cancer. In total, 70 cases of cervical cancer, 52 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 40 normal controls were enrolled. The percentage of Breg cells was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-10 were measured by ELISA. The correlation between Breg cells and the clinical characterizations of cervical cancer was analyzed. The inhibition effect of Breg cells on CD8+ T cells was tested by blocking IL-10 in vitro. The percentage of CD19+CD5+CD1d+ Breg cells and the level of IL-10 of patients with cervical cancer or CIN were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). And the postoperative levels of Breg cells and IL-10 were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P<0.05). Breg cells and the IL-10 level were positively correlated in cervical cancer patients (r=0.516). In addition, the Breg cell percentage was closely related to the FIGO stages, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation, HPV infection, and the tumor metastasis of cervical cancer (P<0.05). The Breg cell percentage was negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells of cervical cancer patients (r=‐0.669). The level of IL-10 in the culture supernatant of Bregs treated with CpG was significantly higher than that of non-Bregs (P<0.05). After coculture with Bregs, the quantity of CD8+ T cells to secrete perforin and Granzyme B was significantly decreased, and this effect was reversed after blocking IL-10 by a specific antibody. Breg cells are elevated in cervical cancer and associated with disease progression and metastasis. Moreover, they can inhibit the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells.

scholarly journals Coronavirus disease-2019 in cancer patients. A report of the first 25 cancer patients in a western country (Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 1425-1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Maria Stroppa ◽  
Ilaria Toscani ◽  
Chiara Citterio ◽  
Elisa Anselmi ◽  
Elena Zaffignani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Antiviral Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Western Country ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Worse Prognosis

Background: We describe cancer patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection treated at the Piacenza’s general hospital (north Italy). Materials & methods: 25 cancer patients infected by COVID-19 admitted at the Piacenza’s general hospital from 21 February to 18 March 2020. Outcome from the infection were compared with infected noncancer patients. Results: 20 patients (80%) were treated with antiviral therapy and hydroxychloroquine and five (20%) received hydroxychloroquine alone. Nine (36%) patients died, while 16 (64%) overcome the infection. In the control group the mortality was 16.13% and the overcome from infection was 83.87%. Conclusion: Mortality for COVID-19 was greater in cancer patients when compared with noncancer patients, worse prognosis for older age, women and patients treated with hydroxychloroquine alone. However, the comparisons did not reach statistical significance in most cases. This could be due to the small sample size that is the main limitation of the study.

Evaluation of postoperative pain and toxicological aspects of the use of dipyrone and tramadol in cats

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 467-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana G Teixeira ◽  
Letícia R Martins ◽  
Paula I Schimites ◽  
Guilherme L Dornelles ◽  
Graciane Aiello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Serum Biochemistry ◽  
Postoperative Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rescue Analgesia ◽  
Biochemical Variables ◽  
Oxidative Markers ◽  
Hematological And Biochemical Parameters

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dipyrone and tramadol, used for 5 days, on postoperative pain, hematological and biochemical parameters, and oxidative markers on erythrocytes. Methods Twenty-eight healthy cats underwent ovariohysterectomy and were randomly allocated to four groups (each n = 7), according to the postoperative treatment administered intravenously: control (saline 1 ml q8h), DIP1 (dipyrone 25 mg/kg q24h), DIP2 (dipyrone 25 mg/kg q12h) and DIP3 (dipyrone 25 mg/kg q8h). All animals received tramadol (2 mg/kg q8h). Pain was assessed by visual analog (VAS), multidimensional UNESP and Glasgow pain scales for cats preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after extubation. Venous blood was collected daily for 5 days, and on day 10, to perform a complete blood count (CBC) and determine the percentage of Heinz bodies (HBs). Serum biochemistry was evaluated preoperatively and on days 5 and 10; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lipoperoxidation were evaluated preoperatively and on days 3, 5 and 10. Results Control cats had higher pain scores than DIP3 cats by UNESP ( P = 0.0065), and DIP2 ( P = 0.0035) and DIP3 cats ( P = 0.0108) by VAS 3 h postoperatively. Rescue analgesia was required by two animals in the control group and one each in the DIP1 and DIP2 groups. There was no difference in SOD or CAT among groups. On day 5, MPO was more active in DIP2 than in DIP3 cats ( P = 0.0274). No difference in lipoperoxidation among treatment and control cats was found. CBC remained constant and without statistical difference among groups. Control, DIP2 and DIP3 cats presented a similar percentage of HBs on day 10. Biochemical variables were similar among groups and times. Conclusions and relevance The administration of dipyrone in cats, when used in combination with tramadol, did not ensure better analgesia than tramadol alone. Dipyrone did not significantly affect biochemical variables and oxidative markers, despite minimal, clinically irrelevant, hematological differences between groups.

Determination of Soluble MICA in Serum as a Novel Marker for Tumor Stage and Metastasis.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1344-1344
Author(s):  
Helmut R. Salih ◽  
Petra Stieber ◽  
Andrea Peterfi ◽  
Dorothea Nagel ◽  
Lothar Kanz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Benign Disorders

Abstract The human NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) MICA and MICB have been shown to be expressed on tumors of epithelial and hematopoietic origin in vivo. Recently we reported that MICA is shed from the cell surface of tumor cells and is present in sera of tumor patients (J Immunol169:4098 (2002), Blood102:1389 (2003)). Since the strength of an anti-tumor response by NK cells and CD8 T cells is critically depending on NKG2DL expression levels, down-regulation of MICA-expression on tumor cells represents an immune escape mechanism that diminishes anti-tumor reactivity of NKG2D-bearing lymphocytes. However, no data are yet available regarding the correlation of soluble MICA (sMICA) levels with specific tumor entities, aggressiveness of the disease, and hence the potential implementation of sMICA as novel marker in differential diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. In this study, we determined sMICA levels in sera of 512 individuals including 296 patients with various cancers, 154 patients with benign disorders and 62 healthy individuals. Healthy individuals revealed significantly lower sMICA values (median<30pg/mL) than patients with benign diseases (84pg/mL; p=0.005) and cancer patients (161pg/mL; p<0.0001). In addition, sMICA levels differed significantly between cancer patients and patients with benign disorders (p<0.0001) that represent the most relevant control group for differential diagnosis. In cancer patients, while there was no association between sMICA levels and tumor size (p=0.456), cell differentiation (p=0.271), or lymph node involvement (p=0.674), sMICA correlated significantly with cancer stage and metastasis (p=0.015 and p=0.007, respectively). Our data indicate that release of MICA might play a role in late stages of tumor progression by overcoming the confining effect of NK cells and CD8 T cells. Thus, determination of sMICA levels provides valuable information for cancer staging, and sMICA in serum seems to be an indicator for systemic manifestation of malignancy rather than for local tumor extent.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Levels in a Randomized, Controlled Acupuncture Trial for Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4088-4088
Author(s):  
Weidong Lu ◽  
Ursula A. Metulonis ◽  
Anne Doherty-Gilman ◽  
Hang Lee ◽  
Elizabeth Dean-Clower ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Csf Levels ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Purpose Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. Chemotherapy, the standard of care, has hematologic toxicity, primarily neutropenia. G-CSF is currently used to support white blood cell (WBC) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC). Prior clinical trials from China suggest that acupuncture could ameliorate chemotherapy-induced leukopenia; the proposed mechanism is an increase in G-CSF levels. In the current study, we investigated the effect of acupuncture, administered during myelosuppressive therapy, on WBC and ANC counts in ovarian cancer patients. Patients and methods Twenty-one newly diagnosed or recurrent ovarian cancer patients were randomized to receive active versus sham acupuncture while undergoing standard IV platinum and taxane-containing chemotherapy. A standardized protocol with 9 acupuncture points was employed with manual and electroacupuncture stimulation. The frequency of acupuncture treatment was 2–3 times per week for a total of 10 sessions, starting 1 week before the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy. WBC and ANC counts were checked weekly at five time points. Serum G-CSF was collected four times during the study. Results Of 587 patients screened, 21 patients were enrolled and received either acupuncture or sham treatment. Patients in both the active and control arms had similar patient characteristics and treatment. Both median WBC and ANC values at nadir in the acupuncture arm were higher than in the control arm, but the differences were not statistically significant, after adjusting for the baseline difference. However, the median WBC in the acupuncture arm at recovery was statistically significantly higher than the control arm, after adjustment (8,600 cell/μL, range: 4,800–12,000 vs. 4,400 cell/μL range: 2,300–10,000) (p=0.045). The recovering median ANC in the patients receiving acupuncture also was higher, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.094). The median serum G-CSF at baseline for patients in the active vs. control arm was similar (37.3 pg/mL, range 28.6–393.3 vs. 32.0, range 11.8–211.3, respectively) (p=0.291). At the second time point, the 1st day of the 2nd cycle, the acupuncture group had a higher G-CSF value than the control group (p=0.121). At nadir, the acupuncture group still had a slightly higher G-CSF value than in the control group (p=0.796). However, at the recovery day, the 1st day of 3rd cycle, the G-CSF value in the acupuncture group was lower than in the control arm (p=0.729). No statistical significance in G-CSF value was found at each time point between the two groups. Conclusion The acupuncture protocol used in this study was feasible and safe. We report trends of higher WBC and ANC values during one cycle of myelosuppressive chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients, suggesting a potential myeloprotective effect of acupuncture. However, current data do not support an acupuncture effect on G-CSF production. These findings warrant a larger study to explore the observed clinical trends and other potential underlying mechanisms.

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