Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Applied to the PC6 Acupuncture Point, aiming at the Reduction of Antineoplastic Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea/ Vomit Symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: Nausea and vomits are common side effects associated to antineoplastic chemotherapy. Scientific evidence supports the use of the PC6-Neiguan acupuncture point, with different methods, to treat nausea and vomit of various etiologies. Thus, physical therapy could also be effective to control emetic symptoms related to chemotherapy through resources such as low-frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Objective: To verify if the application of low-frequency electrical stimulation at the PC6 -Neiguan acupuncture point reduces acute, anticipatory N/V symptoms, when associated with moderate-high emetogenic potential, adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapeutical treatments. Method: This is a clinical, prospective and randomized study, set up as a quantitative approach featuring a control group. The research population consisted of oncological patients with any type of cancer who were undergoing moderate-high emetogenic potential neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: 75 subjects were selected for the study, 35 of which corresponded to the control group and 40 receiving the low-frequency TENS electrical stimulation of the PC6 point. The results showed that there was significant amelioration in terms of intensity as well as frequency of acute and anticipatory nausea and vomit symptoms originating from chemotherapy treatment. Conclusion: The results suggested that the use of low frequency TENS electrical stimulation of the PC6 acupuncture point may be beneficial in controlling nausea and vomit symptoms deriving from chemotherapy.