How effective is mindfulness based cognitive therapy compared to pharmacological treatment of pain in cancer patients undergoing treatment?5 answersMindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has shown promise in managing pain in cancer patients undergoing treatment, particularly in breast cancer survivors with chronic neuropathic pain (CNP). Studies suggest that mind-body therapies, including MBCT, can be effective in alleviating cancer-related pain, although the quality of evidence is currently low. Specifically focusing on breast cancer survivors, MBCT has been found to be cost-effective in reducing pain intensity, with a higher proportion achieving clinically important pain reduction compared to control groups. Additionally, online MBCT interventions have shown potential in improving patient outcomes, with adherence being linked to better psychological distress reduction and positive mental health improvement in cancer patients. Overall, while MBCT may offer modest benefits in pain management compared to pharmacological treatments, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy conclusively.
How does acupuncture influence the expression of IL-17 in lung cancer patients?4 answersAcupuncture has been shown to influence the expression of IL-17 in lung cancer patients. Studies have indicated that acupuncture can regulate the immune microenvironment in lung cancer by impacting the state of immunosuppression. Additionally, research has demonstrated that acupuncture can improve patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in lung cancer patients, including symptoms related to lung cancer such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. Furthermore, electroacupuncture has been found to reduce the inflammatory response in acute lung injury by affecting the expression levels of inflammatory factors like IL-1β. Overall, acupuncture appears to have a multifaceted impact on the immune system and inflammatory responses in lung cancer patients, potentially influencing the expression of IL-17.
What scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating pain?5 answersScientific evidence from various studies supports the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating pain. Research has shown that acupuncture treatment can increase the level of β-endorphins in inflamed tissues, leading to pain relief. Additionally, neuroimaging studies have indicated that acupuncture can modulate brain regions involved in chronic pain, such as the default mode network and frontoparietal network. Furthermore, systematic reviews have highlighted the efficacy of acupuncture in treating painful conditions when compared to sham or control acupuncture. Moreover, meta-analyses have demonstrated that acupuncture therapy is superior to medicine treatment in improving the total effective rate, reducing pain scores, and increasing pain thresholds for conditions like sciatica, emphasizing its efficacy in pain management.
Is acupuncture effective in treating chronic pain?4 answersAcupuncture has been studied for its effectiveness in treating chronic pain. Evidence suggests that acupuncture shows promising results in the treatment of cancer, neck, and back pain, functional dyspepsia, and various chronic abdominal pain syndromes. Research supports the use of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain, with treatment effects persisting over time. Acupuncture has a multidimensional and comprehensive regulating effect on chronic pain, and studies on the reward effect of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain help to deepen the clinical understanding of acupuncture analgesia. Acupuncture has been associated with significant reductions in pain intensity and opioid use in cancer patients. Battlefield acupuncture, a specific auricular acupuncture protocol, has been found to be efficacious in controlling pain and can be used as an alternative or complement to manage pain. Overall, while acupuncture is considered effective in the treatment of chronic pain, further research is needed to fully assess its use in various chronic pain conditions and determine its optimal treatment schedule.
Cannabidiol AND analgesic treatment in adult patients with advanced cancer3 answersCannabidiol (CBD) use in adult patients with advanced cancer for analgesic treatment has been studied in several papers. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cannabinoids, including CBD, did not significantly reduce cancer pain compared to placebo. However, a cohort study using nabiximols, a combination of THC and CBD, showed improved average pain scores in patients with advanced cancer. Another study found that CBD use in cancer patients over 6 months resulted in a decreased number of patients with severe pain and decreased opioid use. A randomized controlled trial is currently underway to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CBD in managing symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer undergoing palliative care. Additionally, a cross-sectional study identified 20 cancer patients consuming CBD, and further research is needed to explore the clinical relevance of CBD-drug interactions in this population.
What is the prevalence of acupuncture for pain?5 answersAcupuncture is associated with improved pain outcomes compared to sham-acupuncture and no-acupuncture control, with response rates of approximately 30% for no acupuncture, 42.5% for sham acupuncture, and 50% for acupuncture. The prevalence of acupuncture for pain is evident in the increasing numbers of patients worldwide who have accepted acupuncture treatment for pain management. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective, scientific, cost-effective, and free from major side-effects in treating various types of pain, including low-back pain, sciatica, hip pain, and groin pain. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends acupuncture and herbal medicine for more intensive pain treatment, resulting in improved overall health conditions for the majority of patients. The efficacy of acupuncture for pain management has been strongly verified by large randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, establishing it as an effective method for pain relief.