The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (10): 1805-1810.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2026.10.015

• Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine • Previous Articles    

Efficacy of Niantong powder plaster moxibustion combined with three-step analgesic ladder in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer with cancer pain and influence on cancer-related fatigue

Jing ZHANG1,Yan LI2,Ni DING1,Man GUO1()   

  1. 1.Oncology Department,Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital,Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University,Qindgao 266033,Shandong,China
    2.Department of Rheumatology,Immunology,and Hematology,Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital,Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University,Qindgao 266033,Shandong,China
  • Received:2026-01-28 Online:2026-05-25 Published:2026-05-27
  • Contact: Man GUO E-mail:qd18766249232@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the efficacy of Niantong powder plaster moxibustion combined with the three-step analgesic ladder in the treatment of cancer pain in patients with advanced gastric cancer and its influence on cancer-related fatigue. Methods A total of 152 patients with advanced gastric cancer, cancer pain, and cancer-related fatigue, who were admitted to Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to June 2025, were selected and randomly divided into a control group and a combined group, with 76 cases in each group. The control group was treated with the three-step analgesic ladder, whereas the combined group received treatment with the three-step analgesic ladder combined with Niantong powder plaster moxibustion. The efficacy was evaluated after 4 weeks of continuous treatment. In the two groups of patients, the efficacy of cancer pain, scores of the numerical rating scale (NRS), brief pain inventory (BPI), and revised Piper fatigue scale (PFS-R), pain mediators [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NP-Y), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)], and adverse reactions were observed. Results After treatment, the cancer pain relief rate in the combined group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The combined group had lower NRS scores, BPI-pain severity scores, BPI-pain interference scores, and PFS-R scores compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, it also presented lower serum levels of SP, 5-HT, NP-Y, and PGE2 (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Niantong powder plaster moxibustion, when combined with the three- step analgesic ladder, demonstrates significant efficacy in treating advanced gastric cancer accompanied by cancer pain. Moreover, it can reverse the imbalance of pain factors and alleviate cancer-related fatigue.

Key words: gastric cancer, cancer pain, cancer-related fatigue, three-step analgesic ladder, niantong powder, plaster moxibustion, pain mediators

CLC Number: