| Background Acupuncture and related therapies like moxibustion and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are often used in managing cancer related symptoms but their effectiveness and safety is controversial. Methods In this overview of systematic reviews (SRs), seven databases were searched from their inception till July 2014. We included SR that synthesized results from clinical trials on patients diagnosed with any type of cancer, and had received acupuncture and related therapies as supportive or palliative care. The Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Instrument was used to assess the methodological quality of included SRs. Results Twenty-three SRs were included in this overview. Methodological quality of included systematic reviews was satisfactory. Favorable therapeutic effects in managing cancer related fatigue (CRF), chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and leucopenia among cancer patients have been reported. Conflicting evidence exist for the treatment of cancer related pain, hot flashes and hiccups; as well as in improving quality of life. Current available evidence is insufficient to support or refute the potential of acupuncture and related therapies in managing xerostomia, dyspnea and lymphedema, and in improving psychological well-being. No serious adverse effects were reported in all included studies. Conclusion Acupuncture and related therapies have demonstrated favorable therapeutic effects in managing CRF, CINV, and leucopenia among cancer patients. As acupuncture appears to be a relatively safe treatment, it could be considered as a complementary form of cancer palliative care, especially for clinical problems where limited choices were available from conventional care. |