Electroacupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced GI Symptom Clusters in Breast Cancer

The acupuncturist applied needles at four acupoints: Zusanli (ST36), Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), and Zhaohai (KI6), with insertion depths of approximately 20 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 5 mm respectively. Electrical stimulation was delivered in continuous wave mode at 2 Hz frequency with current intensity ≤10 mA (adjusted according to patient tolerance), administered for 30 minutes per session.

Olanzapine 2.5 mg orally daily on days 1 to 4; dexamethasone 10 mg intravenously on day 1, and 7.5 mg intravenously on days 2 to 3; palonosetron 0.25 mg intravenously on day 1, or ondansetron 8 mg intravenously on day 1, or tropisetron 5 mg intravenously on day 1; and fosaprepitant 150 mg intravenously on day 1, or aprepitant 130 mg intravenously on day 1, or aprepitant 125 mg orally on day 1 followed by 80 mg orally on days 2 to 3.

The same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group were referenced, but with sham acupuncture (minimal insertion at non-acupoint locations) and sham electrical stimulation, while maintaining the same treatment duration and course as the electroacupuncture group.

Olanzapine 2.5 mg orally daily on days 1 to 4; dexamethasone 10 mg intravenously on day 1, and 7.5 mg intravenously on days 2 to 3; palonosetron 0.25 mg intravenously on day 1, or ondansetron 8 mg intravenously on day 1, or tropisetron 5 mg intravenously on day 1; and fosaprepitant 150 mg intravenously on day 1, or aprepitant 130 mg intravenously on day 1, or aprepitant 125 mg orally on day 1 followed by 80 mg orally on days 2 to 3. All the antiemetic drugs used are the same as those in the true acupuncture group.