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A meta-analysis and systematic review on the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine nursing in radiotherapy patients
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X.S. Gao   , M. Wen , T. Liu , Z. Fan |
| Department of Pediatrics, Chengdu Wenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China , 546427519@qq.com |
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Abstract: (13 Views) |
Background: Radiotherapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment, but its associated physical discomfort and psychological distress often impair patients’ quality of life (QOL). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nursing, integrating syndrome-based care, emotional regulation, and lifestyle guidance, has been increasingly applied as a complementary approach during radiotherapy, while existing literature has not well explored its overall efficacy and safety. Materials and Methods: This study aims at systematically elucidating the efficacy and safety of TCM nursing in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to July 2025. Eligible studies included cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, comparing TCM nursing with conventional nursing or placebo care. Primary outcomes were QOL, anxiety, and depression scores; secondary outcomes included radiotherapy-related adverse events. Relevant meta-analysis relied on RevMan 5.4 and Stata 16.0, along with sensitivity and publication bias analyses. Results: Eight studies were included. Pooled results showed that TCM nursing significantly improved QOL (MD = 8.81, 95% CI: 7.09–10.52, P<0.001, I²= 0%) and reduced anxiety (MD = −5.80, 95% CI: −8.33 to −3.28, P=0.001, I²= 73%) and depression scores (MD = −4.58, 95% CI: −5.65 to −3.50, P<0.001, I²= 82%). Radiotherapy-related adverse events did not increase significantly (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.63–1.06, P=0.131), with consistent sensitivity results. Conclusion: TCM nursing may be a beneficial and safe adjunct to radiotherapy, improving QOL and alleviating psychological distress. |
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| Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine nursing, radiotherapy, quality of life, anxiety, depression, adverse effects. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1066 kb]
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Type of Study: Review article |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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