Effects of electroacupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at Neiguan point (PC6) and Jianshi point (PC5) combined with granisetron on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Methods Seventy-two tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group (38 patients) and a false electroacupuncture group (34 patients). The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at PC6 and PC5 (1 h, bid) combined with granisetron (3 mg, i.v.) 30 min before chemotherapy, and repeat one time after 12 h. The false electroacupuncture group received electroacupunctur at false PC6 and false PC5, and other treatment same as the electroacupuncture group. Both groups were treated for 3 days. The nausea and vomiting frequencies and clinical effects were compared between the two groups. Results The vomiting frequency in the electroacupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the false electroacupuncture group on day 2 (0.37±0.75 vs. 1.12±2.13; t=2.034, P=0.046). The nausea degree in the electroacupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the false electroacupuncture group on day 2 (1.21±0.93 vs. 1.88±0.59; t=3.596, P=0.001) and day 3 (1.26±0.92 vs. 1.68±0.53; t=2.293, P=0.025). The total effective rate in the electroacupuncture group was significantly higher than those in the false electroacupuncture group on day 2 (76.3% vs. 64.7%; χ2=12.390, P=0.006) and day 3 (73.7% vs. 64.7%; χ2=12.313, P=0.006). Conclusions Electroacupuncture at PC6 and PC5 combined with granisetron can attenuate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Key words: Antineoplastic agents; Nausea; Vomiting; Electroacupuncture; Granisetron