Clinical Report: Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture in Treating CINV

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) across 49 randomized controlled trials involving 4,133 participants. Acupuncture significantly reduced vomiting incidence, severity, and episodes, as well as nausea incidence and severity compared to control groups.

Background

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a prevalent and debilitating side effect affecting 40-80% of cancer patients, leading to treatment non-adherence and diminished quality of life. Current pharmacological treatments are often insufficient, with approximately 30% of patients experiencing breakthrough CINV.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Acupuncture significantly reduced the incidence of vomiting (RR = 0.583).
• Acupuncture decreased vomiting severity (MD = −0.839).
• Acupuncture lowered the frequency of vomiting episodes (MD = −3.704).
• Acupuncture also reduced the incidence of nausea (RR = 0.532).
• Nausea severity was significantly decreased with acupuncture (MD = −0.895).
• The most commonly used acupoints were Zusanli (ST36), Neiguan (PC6), and Zhongwan (CV12).

Clinical Implications

The findings support the integration of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for managing CINV in clinical practice. Acupuncture may enhance patient comfort and adherence to chemotherapy by alleviating nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Conclusion

Acupuncture demonstrates effectiveness in managing CINV.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue: a systematic reviews and meta-analysis
2. The ASCO Post, 2012 -- Acupuncture: Does It Alleviate Symptoms Associated with Cancer Care?
3. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
4. The ASCO Post, 2014 -- Fixed-Combination Netupitant/Palonosetron for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
5. 2023 MASCC and ESMO guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
6. 2023 MASCC and ESMO guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
7. Integrative Therapies During and After Breast Cancer Treatment: ASCO Endorsement of the SIO Clinical Practice Guideline
8. Electroacupuncture for control of myeloablative chemotherapy-induced emesis: A randomized controlled trial - PubMed
9. Frontiers | Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial