Acupuncture, ACT, Nutrition Top Non-Drug Interventions for Lung Cancer
Photo by Toa Heftiba / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Non-pharmacological interventions, especially ACT, acupuncture, and nutrition, effectively improve fatigue, depression, and QoL in lung cancer.
A comprehensive network meta-analysis of 58 studies evaluated the comparative effectiveness of various non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) for managing fatigue, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with lung cancer. The analysis identified the top three NPIs for each outcome.
For reducing fatigue, acupuncture, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and nutritional interventions were most effective. For improving depression, ACT, cognitive behavioral therapy, and body-mind-spirit interventions ranked highest. For enhancing QoL, ACT emerged as the most effective intervention, followed by nutritional interventions and mind-body exercise.
These findings highlight the potential of NPIs as complementary approaches to standard cancer care. ACT, in particular, showed consistent benefits across all three outcomes, suggesting it may be a versatile tool for addressing multiple symptoms simultaneously.
The authors recommend that clinicians consider integrating these evidence-based NPIs into treatment plans to improve overall well-being in lung cancer patients. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies.
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View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) have been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue, depression, and improving quality of life (QoL) in patients with lung cancer. However, given the diversity of NPIs, the most effective intervention remains to be confirmed.
OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of different NPIs in reducing fatigue, depression, and improving QoL in patients with lung cancer.
METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception to May 10, 2025. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. A pairwise meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis were performed sequentially to determine the efficacy of different NPIs in improving fatigue, depression, and QoL in patients with lung cancer.
RESULTS: A total of 58 studies involving 13 NPIs were included. The top three NPIs for reducing fatigue were acupuncture, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and nutritional intervention. Meanwhile, ACT, cognitive behavioral therapy, and body-mind-spirit intervention ranked among the top three in improving depression. ACT emerged as the most effective intervention in improving QoL, followed by nutritional intervention and mind-body exercise.
LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: This study revealed the efficacy ranking of different NPIs in reducing fatigue, depression, and improving QoL in patients with lung cancer. Clinical healthcare professionals should be encouraged to utilize these potentially effective NPIs to improve health outcomes in patients with lung cancer.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD420251087360).
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