The positive role of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for cancer

<x>Abstract</x> <sec> <title>Objective:</title> To explore the application and potential mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of tumor and cancer-related symptoms in recent years. </sec> <sec> <title>Methods:</title> This study conducted extensive research and validation of acupuncture literature. It systematically reviewed the role of acupuncture in cancer treatment from ancient times to the present, with a focus on its application and potential mechanisms in managing tumor-related symptoms including cancer-related fatigue (CRF), cancer-related pain (CRP), chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), cancer-related psychological symptoms (CRPS), cancer-related insomnia (CRI), opioid-induced constipation (OIC), hot flashes (HFs), and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), as well as its role in cancer prevention and treatment. </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> Studies have shown that acupuncture plays an effective auxiliary role in tumor treatment, and has positive effects on tumor prevention, tumor growth inhibition, and postoperative adverse reactions. </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> Acupuncture can be used as an auxiliary means of cancer treatment, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and provide valuable insights and guidance for clinical cancer prevention and treatment in the future. </sec>