Acupuncture and moxibustion for cancer-related psychological disorders: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Cancer-related psychological disorders (CRPD) with high incidence are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Although, some studies suggested that acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) are effective and safe for CRPD, lacking strong evidence, for instance, the relevant systematic review, meta-analysis, and randomized control trial (RCT) of a large sample, multicenter, makes the effects and safety remain uncertain. The aim of protocol is to evaluating the RCTs of AM for CRPD to verify the association of AM with the improvement of CRPD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Eight electric databases (4 English databases and 4 Chinese databases) will be searched from inception to Mar. 2022. There will be no restrictions on the category of the language. The RCTs of AM for CRPD unlimited to any type of cancer will be included. Depression and anxiety scores will be the primary outcome indicators. Two researchers will independently complete study selection, evaluate the risk of bias, and extract the data. The RevMan 5.2 software will be used to conduct data synthesis using the random-effects model. The weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% CIs will be used to present the results of measurement data, and the risk ratios with 95% CIs will be used to express the counting data. Additionally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation to assess evidence quality. MAIN RESULTS: The results of the meta-analysis will be presented with tables and figures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results of this meta-analysis and meta-regression will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals and will be published at relevant conferences. The data to be used will not contain individual patient data; therefore, there is no need to worry about patient privacy. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177219.