Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1994 Sep; 14(9): 537-9.

[Effect of acupuncture on interleukin-2 level and NK cell immunoactivity of peripheral blood of malignant tumor patients]

Wu B, Zhou RX, Zhou MS.

First Affiliated Hospital, Huaxi Medical University, Chengdu.

This paper deals with the observation of acupuncture therapy affecting interleukin-2(IL-2 level and natural killer (NK) cell immunoactivity in the peripheral blood of patients with malignant tumors. In this clinical-laboratory test research, randomized double blind method was used. The patients were divided into an acupuncture treated group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 20). The former group was treated using points, ST36,LI11,RN6 and locations of symptomatic points bilaterally. They received one treatment of 30 minutes daily for 10 days. The results showed that the IL-2 level and NK cell activity were lower than normal in patients with malignant tumor, but there was an increase in the acupuncture group after 10 days of treatment. Significance was found to be remarkable (P < 0.01). The difference between the two groups was also significant (P < 0.01). This increase might be related to the mechanism of acupuncture that adjusting the body's immune function. Thus, acupuncture therapy could enhance the cellular immune function of patients with malignant tumors and providing a beneficial effect in anti-cancer treatment.