Effects of electro-acupuncture on immune function after chemotherapy in 28 cases

J Tradit Chin Med. 2002 Mar;22(1):21-3.

Abstract

Purpose: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on T cells and activity of NK cell in the patient of Chemotherapy.

Method: Electro-acupuncture therapy was simultaneously applied during chemotherapy, T cells and activity of NK cell of patients were determined before electroacupuncture treatment (before chemotherapy) and after 4-course electro-acupuncture treatments.

Results: Before chemotherapy, CD3 was low within the normal range, CD4 was much lower than the normal range, and CD8, CD4/CD8 and activity of NK cell were within the normal range. After one month of chemotherapy combined with electro-acupuncture, no decline of all the indices was found (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Electro-acupuncture can really increase the immune function of patients of chemotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • CD4-CD8 Ratio
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Electroacupuncture*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents