OBJECTIVETo investigate acupuncture-moxibustion intervention during the different times for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) symptoms.

METHODSEighty patients received cisplatin chemotherapy with nausea and vomiting were assigned into an AB group and a BA group. Self cross control study was carried out. In the AB group, acupuncture and moxibustion were used during the intermission and there were no acupuncture-moxibustion during chemotherapy period in the first chemotherapy cycle; acupuncture and moxibustion were not applied during the intermission and acupuncture-moxibustion intervention were used during chemotherapy in the third cycle of chemotherapy. The intervention times were different correspondingly in the BA group. Acupuncture and moxibustion were not used to in the second cycle of elution period. The vomiting incidence, nausea, vomiting and retching scale (R-INVR), patient satisfaction and compliance during different chemotherapy times after acupuncture and moxibustion intervention were compared.

RESULTSOn the first and second days of chemotherapy, the nausea incidences of patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion during the intermittent period was less than those during chemotherapy period (both <0.05), but continuous 4 days after the third day of chemotherapy, the numbers had no significant difference (all >0.05). The scores of R-INVR were not significantly different between intervention in the chemotherapy period and intermittent period (>0.05), with decreasing trend. The patients were more satisfied with acupuncture and moxibustion in the intermittent period (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture and moxibustion in the intermittent period can prevent vomiting induced by the chemotherapy of cisplatin, with satisfaction and compliance. Acupuncture and moxibustion intervention during chemotherapy period have the potential to improve nausea and vomiting.