Combined effects of acupuncture and auricular acupressure for relieving cancer-related fatigue in patients during lung cancer chemotherapy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention has been paid to acupuncture and auricular acupressure as alternative strategies for cancer related fatigue (CRF) management. Therefore, we design this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and auricular acupressure for relieving CRF in patients during lung cancer chemotherapy. METHODS: From the inception to August 2021, the Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched using the key phrases “acupuncture”, “auricular acupressure”, and “lung cancer” for all relevant trials. Trials that compared acupuncture (including electroacupuncture) and auricular acupressure with acupuncture alone were included. The primary outcome was the measurement of the CRF symptoms. Secondary outcome measures were physical activity, quality of life, and adverse events. A P value of <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: It will be the first such study and will obtain evidence for utilizing acupuncture and auricular acupressure for lung cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Combined acupuncture and auricular acupressure may be effective for relieving CRF in patients during lung cancer chemotherapy.