Short-Term Pain Relief from Electroacupuncture and Electroceutical Stimulation at ST36 and SP9 in Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Case Series

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) and electroceutical stimulation (EC) have shown promise for pain management, although clinical evidence in cancer patients is limited.Methods: This retrospective case series analyzed cancer patients hospitalized at Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital between January 1 and March 31, 2025 who had received a session of EA or EC at ST36 and SP9. Pain severity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, immediately after, and 15 minutes posttreatment. Changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests.Results: Nine female cancer patients were included. Overall NRS scores declined over time, with a significant reduction from baseline to 15 minutes (p=.047). Pain reduction was more evident in patients with chemotherapy-induced or non-cancer-related musculoskeletal pain, whereas no significant change was observed in those with cancer-related pain.Conclusions: EA or EC at ST36 and SP9 may offer immediate pain relief in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced or other musculoskeletal pain. Further studies to confirm efficacy and clarify indications are warranted.