Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Non‑Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Standard Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis

Cancer research · NSCLC

Acupuncture and moxibustion significantly improved quality of life (QLQ‑C30 MD = 12.39; KPS MD = 8.22; both P < 0.00001), reduced CINV incidence (RR = 0.32, P < 0.00001), and enhanced symptom relief (RR = 1.16, P < 0.00001).

This systematic review and meta‑analysis evaluated the impact of acupuncture and moxibustion on quality of life, chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and immune function in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving standard treatment. Thirty‑nine RCTs (N = 3610) were included. Acupuncture and moxibustion significantly improved quality of life (QLQ‑C30 MD = 12.39; KPS MD = 8.22; both P < 0.00001), reduced CINV incidence (RR = 0.32, P < 0.00001), and enhanced symptom relief (RR = 1.16, P < 0.00001). Immune function markers, including CD3 (MD = 7.20, P = 0.0002), CD4 (MD = 4.89, P = 0.0003), and the CD4/CD8 ratio (MD = 0.22, P < 0.00001), were significantly increased, while TNF‑α levels decreased (MD = ‑11.05, P = 0.04). Acupuncture and moxibustion improve quality of life, reduce CINV, and modulate immune function in NSCLC, supporting their complementary role.

The evidence demonstrates that integrating acupuncture and moxibustion into standard care for NSCLC patients can meaningfully improve patient‑reported outcomes, reduce chemotherapy‑related side effects, and strengthen immune function, highlighting a valuable complementary approach in lung‑cancer management.

Evidence level: Számítógépes vagy elméleti. Modellből vagy adatbányászatból származó jel.

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