Acupuncture on Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

The average pain severity was chosen as the primary assessment as neuropathy symptoms based on its ability to detect neuropathic pain in cancer patients, as well as its use to assess CIPN symptoms in other controlled clinical trials.The BPI-SF assesses pain when responding to the questionnaire (right now) and at its worst, least, and average pain severity in the last 24 h. The items range from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain). The higher the pain severity scores, the worse the degree of pain experienced by the patient. We analyzed the data (1) within group analysis: compared the data at week 6 with baseline, and the data at week 9 with baseline from each group. (2) between group analysis: compared the acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group at week 6 and week 9. (3) the between group differences of the changes from week 6 to baseline and from week 9 to baseline.

The 27-item FACT-G evaluated the quality of life of patients undergoing cancer therapy over the past 7 days. The question is rated on a five-point scale, from 0 to 4 (0= not at all; 4= very much) and summed ( total score range= 0-108). An increase in scores represents an improvement in the overall quality of life.The 13-item Ntx subscale measures the severity and impact of neurotoxicity symptoms over the past seven days. Items are rated on a five-point scale, scored from 0 to 4 and summed ( total score range= 0-52). Higher scores on the neurotoxicity scale indicate improvements in neurotoxic symptoms.

The 40-item FACT/GOG-Ntx total score represents the sum of the FACT-G and Ntx subscale (total score range=0-160).The FACT/GOG-Ntx trial outcome index (TOI) contained the scores of the PWB, FWB, and FACT/GOG-Ntx subscale (total score range= 0-104).We analyzed the data (1) within group analysis(2) between group analysis(3) the changes between group analysis

WHOQOL-BREF Taiwan version was validated to be a good clinical tool across five kinds of Taiwanese cancer survivors. There are a total 28 items by adding 2 additional items to account for Taiwanese cultural adaptations. Item scores range from 1 to 5 (1 =the worst condition; 5=the best condition), except for 3 items (Ph1, Ph2, and Ps6), which are reverse coded. Each domain in the scale can be translated into two ranges of domain scores (0-100 and 4-20), and we used 0-100 scale in this study. The Higher scores in each domain indicate the better quality of life for patients with cancers We analyzed the data (1) within group analysis: compared post-treatment with baseline. (2) between group analysis: compared the acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group at week 9. (3) the between group differences of the changes from post-treatment to baseline.

Measurements were performed using a set of 20 von Frey monofilaments(Semmes-Weinstein Von Frey Aesthesiometer, Stoelting Co. 620 Wheat Lane, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.), with evaluator size/target forces from 1.65/0.008 gto 6.65/300 g. Each monofilament was calibrated to a target force in grams (g) within a 5% standard deviation. Thresholds for categories of tactile perception were defined by the filament manufacturer as follows: normal ; diminished light touch; diminished protective sensation; loss of protective sensation; deep pressure sensation only . All tests were performed by an independent assessor who was unaware of the allocation of randomization. All the procedures followed the operation manual provided by the filament manufacturer. Measuring sites include: LHT(Left hand's middle fingertip);LHP(Left hand's palm);RHT(Right hand's middle fingertip);RHP(Right hand's palm);LFT(Left foot's big toe tip);LFP(Left foot's plantar);RFT(Right foot's big toe tip);RFP(Right foot's plantar)

15 cc of blood samples will be drawn before and after 15 sessions of treatments from participants in both groups. The blood samples will be analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for tumor necrosis factor-alfa and interleukin- 6, interleukin-10 and brain-derived nuerotrophic factor to evaluate the differences in the inflammation state of peripheral nervous system within and between groups.