Effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue: a systematic reviews and meta-analysis - Summary - MDSpire

Effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue: a systematic reviews and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Hongxiao Zhang

  • Zhifeng Pan

  • Yuting Huang

  • Run Lin

  • Liying Wang

  • Tao Peng

  • Mingzhu Xu

  • Zining Guo

  • Shaoyang Cui

  • May 5, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and update the strength of evidence.

Key Findings:
  • The meta-analysis included 28 RCTs with low overall study quality.
  • Acupuncture significantly improved fatigue levels compared to the control group (MD = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.38, P < 0.01) based on the Piper Fatigue Scale.
  • Subgroup analyses indicated distinct advantages of different acupuncture types.
  • Sensitivity analyses yielded unstable results, indicating potential publication bias.
  • Most outcomes were rated as low or very low quality according to GRADE criteria.
Interpretation:

While acupuncture may alleviate CRF, the evidence supporting its efficacy is limited, of low quality, and highlights significant gaps.

Limitations:
  • Methodological concerns in the included studies.
  • Low certainty of the available evidence.
  • Inconsistencies in study quality and acupoint selection.
  • Potential for publication bias.
Conclusion:

Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the findings regarding acupuncture's efficacy in alleviating CRF.

Original Source(s)

Effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue: a systematic reviews and meta-analysis

  • by Hongxiao Zhang, Zhifeng Pan, Yuting Huang, Run Lin, Liying Wang, Tao Peng, Mingzhu Xu, Zining Guo, Shaoyang Cui

  • May 5, 2026

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