Open AccessThe safety and efficacy of using moxibustion and or acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Author(s) -
Carol Wang,
Ellen Han,
Mark A. Jenkins,
Xuepei Hong,
Shuqin Pang,
Lisa Whitehead,
Deborah Walker,
Anne Williams
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
palliative care and social practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.135
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2632-3524
DOI - 10.1177/26323524211070569
Subject(s) - medicine , meta analysis , moxibustion , acupuncture , randomized controlled trial , relative risk , confidence interval , physical therapy , systematic review , medline , pittsburgh sleep quality index , insomnia , traditional medicine , alternative medicine , sleep quality , psychiatry , pathology , political science , law
This study aimed to synthesise the best available evidence on the safety and efficacy of using moxibustion and/or acupuncture to manage cancer-related insomnia (CRI).Methods: The PRISMA framework guided the review. Nine databases were searched from its inception to July 2020, published in English or Chinese. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of moxibustion and or acupuncture for the treatment of CRI were selected for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the method suggested by the Cochrane collaboration. The Cochrane Review Manager was used to conduct a meta-analysis.Results: Fourteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Twelve RCTs used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score as continuous data and a meta-analysis showed positive effects of moxibustion and or acupuncture ( n = 997, mean difference (MD) = −1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −2.75 to −0.94, p < 0.01). Five RCTs using continuous data and a meta-analysis in these studies also showed significant difference between two groups ( n = 358, risk ratio (RR) = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26–0.80, I 2 = 39%).Conclusion: The meta-analyses demonstrated that moxibustion and or acupuncture showed a positive effect in managing CRI. Such modalities could be considered an add-on option in the current CRI management regimen.