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Management of insomnia in cancer patients after radiotherapy using traditional Chinese medicine techniques: A systematic review and evidence summary
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Y. Zhang   , S. Wang , T. Yang |
| The Special Branch, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China, 730050 , m13919936543@163.com |
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Abstract: (23 Views) |
| Background: Insomnia is a common and debilitating complication among cancer patients after radiotherapy (RT), often aggravated by treatment-related fatigue and neuroendocrine disturbances. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques such as acupuncture, auriculotherapy, and aromatherapy offer non-pharmacological approaches, but evidence specific to post-RT insomnia is limited. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review and evidence summary were performed across seven databases from inception to March 2025. Eligible studies involved adult cancer patients who had completed RT and received TCM interventions for insomnia. Quality assessment applied AGREE II, AMSTAR-2, and JBI checklists, with evidence graded according to the 2014 JBI hierarchy. Results: Eighteen high-quality studies were included (12 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, 4 guidelines, and 2 evidence summaries). Acupuncture improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores by 3-4 points; auriculotherapy reduced sleep latency by 15-20 minutes; and aromatherapy with lavender oil decreased PSQI by about 3.5 points. Adverse events were minimal (<5%). Conclusion: TCM techniques demonstrate measurable efficacy and safety in improving sleep quality and latency among cancer patients after RT. Integrating these complementary interventions into post-RT care may enhance recovery, reduce symptom burden, and improve quality of life. |
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| Keywords: Neoplasms, radiotherapy, sleep initiation and maintenance disorders, acupuncture therapy, medicine, Chinese traditional. |
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Full-Text [PDF 935 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review article |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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