The effects of P6 acupressure in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients

Complement Ther Med. 2007 Mar;15(1):3-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2006.07.005. Epub 2006 Sep 27.

Abstract

Background: Nausea, and to a lesser extend vomiting, remain significant clinical problems after the administration of chemotherapy, with up to 60% of patients reporting nausea despite use of antiemetics. Combining antiemetics with other non-pharmacological treatments may prove more effective in decreasing nausea than antiemetics alone. Hence, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using acupressure in Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) acu-point in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Methods: This was a randomised controlled trial. Acupressure was applied using wristbands (Sea-Band) which patients in the experimental group had to wear for the 5 days following the chemotherapy administration. Assessments of nausea, retching and vomiting were obtained from all patients daily for 5 days. Thirty-six patients completed the study from two centres in the UK, with 19 patients allocated to the control arm and 17 to the experimental arm.

Results: It was found that nausea and retching experience, and nausea, vomiting and retching occurrence and distress were all significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The only exception was with the vomiting experience, which was close to significance (P=0.06).

Discussion: Results highlight the important role of safe and convenient non-pharmacological complementary therapies, such as acupressure, in the management of the complex symptoms of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acupressure*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Marital Status
  • Middle Aged
  • Nausea / chemically induced*
  • Nausea / therapy*
  • Vomiting / chemically induced*
  • Vomiting / therapy*

Substances

  • Antiemetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents