Xiangyong, Y., Zhongsheng, Y., Wenchao, L., Hui, D., Shuzhou, Q., Gang, C., . . . Lian, Z. (2016). External application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of bone cancer pain: A meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 11–17.
DOI Link
Purpose
Search Strategy
Literature Evaluated
Sample Characteristics
Phase of Care and Clinical Applications
Applications: Palliative care
Results
Analysis showed improved partial pain response with Chinese medicine compared to sustained release morphine or bisphosphonates (RR = 1.18, p = 0.02)
Conclusions
External application of traditional Chinese herbal medicine was shown here to improve pain response rate in patients with metastatic bone pain; however, the quality of the evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions
Limitations
All studies were deemed to be of low quality. The authors noted that included studies were mainly from Chinese publications, and that it is known that negative results are not published in China. This suggests important publication bias.
Nursing Implications
There is currently insufficient good quality evidence to demonstrate efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for pain management. Findings of this meta analysis suggest promise for this type of intervention as adjunctive treatment; however, well-designed research is needed for evaluation of the evidence.