Meta-analysis finds acupuncture improves pain and function in cervical cancer patients

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for pain management in cervical cancer patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched up to January 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating acupuncture combined with conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone for cervical cancer pain were incorporated. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 and RevMan 5.4. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed for continuous outcomes. Additionally, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the stability of the results and potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 627 participants were included in the analysis. A meta-analysis demonstrated that, compared to conventional treatment alone, acupuncture significantly enhanced pain relief as an adjunctive therapy (SMD = -1.00, 95% CI [-1.27, -0.73], P < 0.00001). Manual acupuncture was more effective than electroacupuncture (SMD = -1.25 vs. -0.46). Acupuncture use also significantly improved gastrointestinal function (SMD = -1.57, 95% CI [-3.10, -0.04]) and Karnofsky Performance Scale scores (SMD = 1.28, 95% CI [0.54, 2.02]). The acupoints most commonly utilized were Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive acupuncture offers notable advantages in reducing pain and enhancing function in cervical cancer patients, particularly when manual techniques are applied to stimulate specific acupoints. These findings support the inclusion of acupuncture in integrated cancer pain management strategies.