Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Review Article

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Treatment in Cancer Care: A Scoping Review Focused on European Regions: Kwonwoo Park, Jeong Su Park, Minji Kim, Gyumi Park, Yujin Lee, Hakyung Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):131-140. Published online October 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.002

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Acupuncture and herbal medicine have traditionally been used in East Asia for cancer care. This study aimed to explore how acupuncture and herbal medicine in cancer treatment is used in Europe to identify the common cancer types treated, therapeutic methods applied, and patient satisfaction. This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline and Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Literature searches were conducted using electronic databases and 2 complementary and alternative medicine-focused journals. The inclusion criteria included first author’s affiliation in Europe and use of acupuncture or herbal medicine in cancer treatment. The exclusion criteria included focusing solely on chemotherapy-related adverse effects or in vitro research. From 6,109 initial records, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies involved acupuncture, and 4 involved herbal medicine. Breast cancer was the most frequently studied and ST36 was the most frequently used acupuncture point. Herbal medicines included mistletoe extract and Ruta graveolens. Reported outcomes included symptom relief and generally positivity, although findings varied. This scoping review identified a limited but emerging body of cancer research on the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine in Europe. Highquality clinical research is needed.

Short Communication

Developing of an Integrative Medicine Inpatient Care Program for Breast Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy: Eun-Bin Ko, Jun-Bock Jang, Deok-Sang Hwang; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(1):51-56. Published online February 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.02.006

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC) has improved survival rates but often causes adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, myelosuppression, and peripheral neuropathy, which can greatly impact patient quality of life. Integrative medicine (IM) provides adjunctive therapies to alleviate these toxicities and support immune function, yet existing clinical practice guidelines and pathways offer broad recommendations that may not sufficiently address the specific needs of post-chemotherapy BC patients. To address this gap, we developed an IM Inpatient Care Program framework for BC patients within one week of chemotherapy administration, drawing on the Korean Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline (KMCPG) for BC supportive care, an established clinical pathway, and additional guidelines focused on chemotherapy-related toxicities. The proposed inpatient model prioritizes systematic monitoring, early detection, and management of common chemotherapy-induced side effects such as neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, and psychological distress. Key components include vital sign surveillance, targeted diagnostic tests (e.g., hematology, imaging), dietary and lifestyle recommendations, tailored herbal medicine prescriptions, acupuncture, moxibustion, and referral protocols for serious complications. The IM Inpatient Care Program aims to standardize treatment processes, enhance patient and clinician satisfaction, and reduce potential emergency department visits. By aligning evidence-based guidelines with real-world clinical insights, this model provides a structured approach to optimize BC patient care post-chemotherapy. Future efforts should involve implementing and evaluating the program in diverse clinical settings to refine its utility, measure outcomes, and potentially lower healthcare costs while improving quality of life for BC patients.

Protocol

Acupuncture for Rectal Cancer Patients with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: A Mixed Method Pilot Study Protocol: Ming Yang, Honglin Jiang, Lin Xu, Qiaoli Zhang, Xun Li, Liu Han, Yudong Bao, Lu Yang, Mi Zhang, Lihua Zheng, Ningyuan Liu, Jianping Liu, Jinchang Huang; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(3):195-201. Published online October 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.10.008

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Abstract PDF

Background
This protocol aims to facilitate the evaluation of acupuncture in the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) on the bowel in rectal cancer patients.
Methods
This pragmatic pilot study was designed using a convergent parallel mixed methods design combining a single-arm trial and semi-structured qualitative interview.
Results
Sixty patients with LARS will be recruited from out/inpatient departments. For evaluation of efficacy, the single-arm objective performance criteria will be used in the pilot study in which all eligible participants will receive electroacupuncture mainly on Baliao acupoints three times a week for four weeks. The LARS scale, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Bowel Function Index, and anorectal manometry will be used to assess symptoms and pressure changes. The European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Questionnaire and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 will be used to evaluate quality of life. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted among twenty participants to understand their experience and feelings. The qualitative and quantitative data will be analyzed and summarized before comparative analysis. Qualitative themes derived from qualitative analysis will be ranked with the variables of quantitative statistics. Finally, we will answer the research question from multiple perspectives by comparing different types of evidence for the same dimension.
Conclusion
This mixed method study design will potentially evaluate the feasibility and effects of electroacupuncture for LARS and gain an in-depth understanding of the attitudes, experiences, feelings, and acceptance among patients with LARS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Long-term electroacupuncture for low anterior resection syndrome in postoperative rectal cancer patients: case reports
Wenna Li, Ming Yang, Jinchang Huang, Qiaoli Zhang
Frontiers in Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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