Acupuncture Therapy For The Treatment Of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) and Chronic Pain: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: This case report describes a patient using acupuncture to manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CIPN). Acupuncture helped relieve pain in the saphenous nerves of both legs radiating from his ankles, around both knees and up to the groin. Clinical and preclinical studies on the safety and efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture for CIPN-informed treatment.

Clinical Case: A 67-year-old male was diagnosed with human papillomavirus-tonsil cancer in 2011. After chemotherapy, peripheral neuropathy and neuralgia began to affect his toes and legs. The patient sought acupuncture when no pharmaceuticals provided relief. During his initial treatment sessions, assessments were made to determine his constitutional type, the Chinese medicine pattern of disharmony he was presenting, and a treatment plan for his care. The Pain Quality Assessment Scale and Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS) were the main assessment tools used to determine the tangible effectiveness of his acupuncture treatments. His mood, affect, outlook on life, and behavioral changes were also monitored. This study highlights eight 60-90-minute acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments over two months for this patient. Using the Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS) and Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), the patient reported having reduced pain in his legs and knees after two months of treatment.