A Constructive Experimental Study on Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting by Ginger-partitioned Moxibustion on Acupoint of Zusanli

Objective To research the prevention of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on Zusanli against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting,and to explore the feasibility of traditional medicine to relieve the gastrointestinal toxicity of chemotherapy. Methods A prospective crossover comparison method was employed.Thirty cases with three cycles of chemotherapy were divided into three groups: moxibustion group,ondansetron group,and moxibustion + ondansetron group.And serum 5-HT levels were tested in the first day before chemotherapy,the first day and the ninth day after chemotherapy. Results The antiemetic response rate was 80.0%,83.3% and 93.3% respectively in three groups,without significant difference (P＞0.05).The serum 5-HT levels were not significantly different (P＞0.05) among the three groups before and after chemotherapy.However,in moxibustion group and moxibustion + ondansetron group,the serum 5-HT levels in the first day after chemotherapy were significantly higher than those in the first day before chemotherapy and the ninth day after chemotherapy (P＜0.05).In ondansetron group,the 5-HT levels in the first day after chemotherapy was significantly higher than those in the first day before chemotherapy (P＜0.05),but similar to those in the ninth day (P＞0.05). Conclusion Moxibustion had different antiemetic mechanisms,compared to ondansetron,although the effect was similar.Moxibustion was a low-cost,little side effects,simple operation,especially combined with agents.