Comparative effectiveness of traditional Chinese non-pharmacological therapies for chemotherapy-related symptoms in cancer patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
In brief
Manual acupoint therapy improves quality of life by over two standard deviations in chemotherapy patients
In a network meta-analysis of 35 trials involving 2,025 patients, manual acupoint therapy showed the largest benefit for overall quality of life (standardized mean difference ≈ 2.3) and sleep quality, while mind-body exercise best lifted mood and cut depression, and auricular therapy most reduced fatigue and anxiety. The results suggest symptom-specific TCM techniques can be added to supportive care, but head-to-head trials are needed to confirm optimal dosing and safety.
- Journal
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Q1)
- Published
- 27 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Xinzheng Zhang, Junyong Song, Huiyuan Liu, Yulong Wei
- PMID
- 42507011
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00520-026-10990-7
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (top studies of the week, 2 August 2026): Network meta‑analysis of RCTs for TCM symptom relief
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-related fatigue, sleep disturbance, and psychological distress significantly impair quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) non-pharmacological therapies are increasingly used as supportive care, yet their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and compare five TCM-based interventions for improving QoL and emotional well-being in chemotherapy patients. METHODS: A systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through April 2025. Five TCM-based interventions (acupuncture, auricular therapy, manual acupoint therapy, mind-body exercise therapy, and moxibustion) were evaluated. Primary outcomes included QoL, sleep quality, fatigue, general mood, anxiety, and depression. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Treatment ranking was determined using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). RESULTS: Thirty-five RCTs involving 2025 chemotherapy patients were included. Manual acupoint therapy ranked highest for improving QoL (SUCRA 63.4%; SMD vs. control, 2.29; 95% CI, 0.95 to 3.63) and sleep quality (SUCRA 91.9%; SMD vs. auricular therapy, -9.92; 95% CI, -14.83 to -5.01). Mind-body exercise therapy was most effective for enhancing mood (SUCRA 68.0%; SMD vs. control, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.24) and reducing depression (SUCRA 70.8%; SMD vs. control, -0.92; 95% CI, -1.79 to -0.05). Auricular therapy showed the greatest benefit for fatigue (SUCRA 100%; SMD vs. control, -8.13; 95% CI, -10.15 to -6.11) and anxiety (SUCRA 92.9%; SMD vs. control, -1.53; 95% CI, -2.48 to -0.58). CONCLUSION: TCM non-pharmacological therapies demonstrate distinct, symptom-specific efficacy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Manual acupoint therapy is most effective for QoL and sleep, mind-body exercise therapy for mood and depression, and auricular therapy for fatigue and anxiety. These findings support individualized integration of TCM interventions into supportive cancer care.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.