Acupuncture For Cancer-Related Fatigue In Advanced Cancer:A Randomized,Blinded,Sham-Acupuncture & Placebo Control Led Trial

ObjectiveThis study used Akabane' s test to select acupoints dialectically.The FACIT-F,ESAS,HADS and TCM-I evaluation scales were used to evaluate the fatigue index and related changes in symptoms by randomized,single-blind,sham acupuncture and placebo-controlled study design methods.The purpose is to determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on CRF.MethodFifty patients with CRF who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the ratio of 2:1:1:1:Acupuncture group:according to the results of Akabane's test,the corresponding backing points and fixed acupoints(ST36,SP6,KI3)were selected.Subjects received acupuncture three times a week;Sham acupuncture group:correct acupoints 1cm apart.The sham needles are blunt-tipped needles that move up inside their handle when pressed against the skin.The frequency is the same as the acupuncture group;Placebo group:placebo capsules orally twice a day;Waitlist group:conventional symptomatic treatment.A total of 6 weeks of treatment.The FACIT-F,ESAS,HADS and TCM-I assessment scales were used to assess changes in CRF and related symptoms.During the study,subjects in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups were blinded.Statistical analysis:using SPSS statistical software package,measurement data was analyzed by t-test or analysis of variance,count data was analyzed using ?2 test,rank data was analyzed using rank sum test.The statistical test level was ?=0.05.Result1.First outcome indicators:There was no significant difference in the total scores of FACIT-F among the 4 groups before treatment(P>0.05).Compared with the comparison between groups,the difference between the four groups of scales before and after treatment showed no statistical difference(P>0.05);the total scores of each dimension were compared.In the physical condition dimension,the scores of the acupuncture group were relatively higher than waitlist group(P<0.05);In the additional attention dimension,the difference in the placebo group score was also higher than the waitlist group(P<0.05).In the group comparison,after treatment,the acupuncture group scored significantly in the physical condition dimension,and the placebo group scored significantly in the additional attention dimension,which was consistent with the comparison between the groups.2.Second outcomes:There were no significant difference in HADS,ESAS,and TCM-I scores between the 4 groups before treatment(P>0.05).Comparison between groups:4 groups of subjects had 3 total scores before and after treatment,which didn' t show significant difference(P>0.05).Comparison within the group:patients in the acupuncture group and placebo group had lower ESAS scores after treatment(P<0.05).ConclusionAkabane's test-backshu acupuncture has certain improvement effects on the physical condition and tumor-related symptoms of patients with advanced tumor fatigue,and its adverse reactions are few,safe and effective,or can be an advantageous treatment for CRF treatment.Next,we should increase recruitment channels,strengthen recruitment efforts,further accelerate the enrollment,and expand the sample size for more in-depth research.