Taxane-related chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and persistent problem among breast cancer survivors that substantially impairs quality of life. Effective, evidence-based treatments remain limited. This study assessed a standardized, multimodal Japanese-style acupuncture and moxibustion program (MJAM) as a potential nonpharmacologic option for persistent taxane-related CIPN.
This was a single-center, single-arm study enrolling breast cancer survivors who had completed curative treatment for stage I–III disease at least 3 months prior to enrollment. Eligible participants had moderate-to-severe taxane-related CIPN pain defined by a score of 4 or greater on BPI item 5 (average pain) at study entry. The primary endpoint was the change in BPI item 5 from baseline to week 16 after initiating treatment.
Participants received 12 weekly sessions of a standardized MJAM program. The program combined multiple modalities: filiform needle acupuncture, non-insertive needle (Teishin) therapy, motion-style acupuncture, indirect moxibustion, application of hot packs, and instruction in self-care. The protocol was delivered uniformly across sessions; detailed procedural parameters beyond modality composition were not reported in the abstract.
Thirty women were enrolled between October 2022 and April 2024. The median age was 58.0 years. Median time from completion of chemotherapy to enrollment was 2.47 years. Mean baseline BPI item 5 score was 5.3 with a standard deviation of 1.7. Twenty-eight participants (93.3%) completed the 12-week treatment program.
The primary outcome measure was change in BPI item 5 (average pain) from baseline to week 16. The study monitored pain scores at interim time points (weeks 4, 8, 12) as well as at the primary time point (week 16). Safety and feasibility were assessed by completion rates and reported adverse events, with adverse event severity graded; no further secondary endpoints are detailed in the abstract.
BPI item 5 scores decreased over time during the 16-week observation.
These results indicate a gradual reduction in average pain scores over the course of MJAM, with statistically significant improvement emerging by week 8 and increasing through week 16.
The MJAM program demonstrated high feasibility with a 93.3% treatment completion rate (28 of 30 participants). Adverse events were reported in 9 participants (30.0%), all described as mild (grade 1). No serious adverse events were reported in the abstract. These findings suggest the intervention was well tolerated in this cohort.
In this single-arm study of breast cancer survivors with persistent taxane-related CIPN, a standardized 12-week MJAM program was feasible, had an acceptable safety profile, and was associated with reductions in average pain as measured by BPI item 5. The authors conclude that MJAM warrants further evaluation in a confirmatory randomized clinical trial to establish efficacy compared with control or standard care.
The trial was registered with UMIN-CTR (UMIN000048478). The study protocol received approval from the National Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (NCCIRB2021-500) on 22 July 2022. The authors declared no competing interests.
(Notes: procedural specifics for individual MJAM components, detailed secondary outcomes, long-term follow-up beyond week 16, and full adverse event descriptions were not reported in the abstract.)