Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation versus acupressure on the trajectories of multidimensional adverse reactions to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Jiang Yuan, Xinyu Zhao, Hao Li et al.
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In 30 seconds
This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examined the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and self-acupressure (SA) on multidimensional adverse reactions in 189 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study identified two symptom trajectory types and found that both TEAS and SA significantly increased the likelihood of patients being classified into the more favorable 'Low Symptom Burden-Relieving' trajectory, with average treatment effects of 0.147 for TEAS and 0.176 for SA.
Key findings
- Two symptom trajectories were identified: 'High Symptom Burden-Persistent' and 'Low Symptom Burden-Relieving'.
- TEAS increased the probability of being classified into the 'LSBR' trajectory with an ATE of 0.147.
- SA had a higher ATE of 0.176 for classifying patients into the 'LSBR' trajectory.
- Persistent high incidence of acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting was noted in the 'HSBP' group.
Why it matters
Understanding the trajectories of adverse reactions to chemotherapy can help clinicians tailor supportive interventions. TEAS and SA may improve symptom management and enhance quality of life for breast cancer patients during treatment.