A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: This review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients, focusing on its mechanisms, clinical applications, and future research directions. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes and critically appraises findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and preclinical studies, evaluating acupuncture's impact on pain relief, neurological function, and quality of life. Key databases were searched for studies published up to 2024. Results: Nineteen RCTs (n = 1174) demonstrated significant improvements in CIPN symptoms with acupuncture, particularly in reducing neuropathic pain (eg, via endogenous opioid modulation) and enhancing sensory function (eg, BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity). Optimal protocols involved 2–3 sessions/week for 4–12 weeks, targeting acupoints such as ST36 and LI4. Acupuncture outperformed pharmacotherapy (eg, duloxetine) in safety and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: Acupuncture is a promising adjunctive therapy for CIPN, offering multimodal mechanisms and clinical benefits. Standardization of protocols and further high-quality RCTs are needed to strengthen evidence and guide integration into oncology care.