Acupuncture for bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy: Not just for pain Journal Article


Authors: Zhi, W. I.; Ingram, E.; Li, S. Q.; Chen, P.; Piulson, L.; Bao, T.
Article Title: Acupuncture for bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy: Not just for pain
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect. Our pilot study demonstrated that acupuncture is safe and can decrease total neuropathic symptoms. However, there is lack of knowledge in which individual BIPN symptoms benefited from acupuncture. PURPOSE: To characterize individual symptoms reduced by acupuncture in patients with BIPN. METHODS: Patients with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib who developed BIPN grade 2 or above, based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE), were enrolled and received 10 acupuncture treatments over 10 weeks. Self-reported BIPN-associated symptoms assessments were collected weekly at baseline, during, and after acupuncture treatment using the Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) questionnaires. Changes in individual symptoms were analyzed based on FACT/GOG-Ntx and NPS scores. RESULTS: There were statistically significant reductions in individual symptoms in both NPS and FACT/GOG-Ntx. The FACT/GOG-Ntx reductions were most pronounced in hand/feet numbness/tingling, discomfort, and trouble walking. The sensory symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, especially in the feet, reduced the most ( P < .0001), and motor dysfunction also reduced significantly ( P = .0001). Both hearing and dysfunction scores were also statistically significantly increased, indicating improved symptoms. The NPS scores showed significant symptom relief in all 10 items from the NPS assessment, particularly in cold sensitivity and an unpleasant feeling. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture can improve multiple symptoms associated with BIPN, particularly numbness and tingling in hands and feet, cold sensitivity, and an unpleasant feeling. Further randomized control trials are warranted to confirm our findings.
Keywords: bortezomib; multiple myeloma; peripheral neuropathy; acupuncture
Journal Title: Integrative Cancer Therapies
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1534-7354
Publisher: Sage Publications  
Date Published: 2018-12-01
Start Page: 1079
End Page: 1086
Language: English
DOI: 10.1177/1534735418788667
PUBMED: 30027756
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC6247555
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 December 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Ting   Bao
    76 Bao
  2. Qing Susan Li
    82 Li
  3. Lauren Piulson
    25 Piulson
  4. Wanqing Iris Zhi
    48 Zhi
  5. Patricia Anne Chen
    4 Chen