Journal of Pain Research (Apr 2021)

Acupuncture for Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review of Clinical and Basic Studies

  • Zhao YX,
  • Yu XC,
  • Gao JH,
  • Yao MJ,
  • Zhu B

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 14
pp. 993 – 1005

Abstract

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Yu-Xue Zhao,1 Xiao-Chun Yu,1 Jun-Hong Gao,1 Ming-Jiang Yao,2,3 Bing Zhu1 1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, People’s Republic of China; 3Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing, 100091, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yu-Xue Zhao; Bing ZhuInstitute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dong-zhi-men-nei South Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-10-64089363Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a common and intractable side effect of the conventional chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Acupuncture has been reported as an effective alternative therapy in treatment of PIPN in both basic studies and clinical trials. However, there is a lack of comprehensive surveys to summarize the action of acupuncture in management of PIPN. In this review, we briefly demonstrate the basic pathology of PIPN, which includes the activation of ion channels, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of axonal transport and also neuro-inflammatory involvement. Meanwhile, we review both the clinical and basic studies as an emphasis to give a general overview of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture against PIPN. Finally, we summarize the current known mechanisms underlying the action of acupuncture against PIPN mainly at peripheral and spinal levels, which include various neurotransmitters, multiple receptors, different types of enzymes and molecules. In conclusion, acupuncture could be considered as a potential alternative therapy in treatment of PIPN, and further clinical and experimental studies are called for in the future.Keywords: paclitaxel, peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture

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