Comparative effectiveness of various nonpharmacological interventions, including traditional Chinese medicine-based interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment: a comprehensive network meta-analysis
Author: Mu-Hsing Ho1, Lizhen Wang1, Justin Wei Ho Wong1, Gongkai Xin1, Qianyi Zhang1, Yen-Kuang Lin2, Denise Shuk Ting Cheung1, Janette L Vardy3,4, Chia-Chin Lin1
Affiliation:
1 School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR.
2 Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
3 Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
4 Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia.
Conference/Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst
Date published: 2025 Mar 11
Other:
Pages: djaf059 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1093/jnci/djaf059. , Word Count: 238
Background:
Cancer-related cognitive impairment is a common complication of cancer and its treatment. The effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-based interventions in improving subjective and objective cognitive function has not yet been investigated in previous network meta-analyses. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions including TCM-based interventions, and to rank the best option for improving cognitive function among adults with non-central nervous system cancer.
Methods:
PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, and CNKI were searched from their inception until May 2024, for relevant randomized controlled trials. A random-effects model was utilized for conducting network meta-analysis. The primary endpoint evaluated the impact of interventions on subjective or objective cognitive function.
Results:
In total, 84 randomized controlled trials were included and 15 nonpharmacological interventions were identified with no reported significant adverse events. Tai Chi/Qigong demonstrated the highest probability (SMD = 2.10, 95% CI 0.62 to 3.59) of improving subjective cognitive function. Cognitive rehabilitation was ranked the best with the highest probability for improving overall cognitive function (SMD = 1.49, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.58) and executive function as well as language domains. Acupoint stimulation was the top-ranking approach for enhancing visuospatial and motor function domain (SUCRA 84.3%, SMD = 0.94, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.76).
Conclusions:
Tai Chi/Qigong demonstrated the highest effectiveness in addressing subjective cognitive complaints. Cognitive rehabilitation was the most effective intervention across various domains including overall objective cognitive function, executive function, and language. Acupoint simulation was the most effective intervention for improving visuospatial and motor domain functions.
PMID: 40071688 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaf059
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