A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients

Objective This review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients, focusing on its mechanisms, clinical applications, and future research directions. Methods This narrative review synthesizes and critically appraises findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and preclinical studies, evaluating acupuncture's impact on pain relief, neurological function, and quality of life. Key databases were searched for studies published up to 2024. Results Nineteen RCTs ( n = 1174) demonstrated significant improvements in CIPN symptoms with acupuncture, particularly in reducing neuropathic pain (eg, via endogenous opioid modulation) and enhancing sensory function (eg, BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity). Optimal protocols involved 2–3 sessions/week for 4–12 weeks, targeting acupoints such as ST36 and LI4. Acupuncture outperformed pharmacotherapy (eg, duloxetine) in safety and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion Acupuncture is a promising adjunctive therapy for CIPN, offering multimodal mechanisms and clinical benefits. Standardization of protocols and further high-quality RCTs are needed to strengthen evidence and guide integration into oncology care.