Acupuncture Effect on Dumping Syndrome in Esophagus Cancer Patients With Feeding Jejunostomy

Plain-language summary

Esophagus cancer patients are at risk for malnourishment. Feeding jejunostomy is used in advanced esophagus cancer patients in order to support and supplement the patient's nutrition needs. In dumping syndrome, the food is rapidly introduced into the intestine at a rate that is faster than normal, it is associated with both digestive system and vasoactive symptoms. Dumping syndrome has an association with both esophagus cancer patients and feeding jejunostomy. In the mid and long term, dumping syndrome is an important issue that contributes to the risk of malnourishment in advanced esophagus cancer patients. Acupuncture effect on digestive symptoms was widely investigated with effective abilities to regulate and reduce digestive symptoms. Acupuncture is also considered a safe intervention for cancer patients. A total of 60 advanced esophageal cancer patients will be divided into two equal groups, the intervention group (n=30) and the control groups (n=30). Patients in the Intervention group will receive acupuncture using the following acupoints: ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), ST39 (Xiajuxu), PC6 (Neiguan), and LI4 (Hegu) liv 3 (Taichung). Patients and assessors will be blind to trial allocation. The patients in the Control group will receive shallow acupuncture on 12 non-acupoints (sham points). Both groups will receive acupuncture twice a week for 6 weeks. The main outcome measurements are body weight, BMI, the Sigstad's score and the Arts' dumping questionnaire, 3 and 6 months mortality.

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