Acupuncture for post-chemoradiotherapy complications in lung cancer with bone metastasis: a case report and literature review.

Despite significant advances in oncologic therapeutics, chemoradiotherapy-induced complications, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and hip dysfunction, remain clinically challenging to manage with pharmacological interventions alone. This report presents the case of a 52-year-old male with a history of right-sided lung cancer resection performed more than three years previously and confirmed bone metastasis for over two years. Following metastasis to the right ilium and acetabulum, the patient developed pain, numbness, gait disturbance, and impaired mobility in the right lower extremity. The symptoms deteriorated following local radiotherapy. Marked symptomatic improvement was observed following three courses of acupuncture treatment. At baseline, the patient was diagnosed with Grade III CIPN, with a lower extremity pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 7.8 and a Harris Hip Score (HHS) of 35. After treatment, CIPN severity improved to Grade I, the VAS score decreased to 3, and the HHS increased to 80. The patient's Physical Component Summary (PCS) score increased from 28.6 to 72.3, and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score improved from 34.2 to 78.8. No adverse events were reported throughout the treatment period. The patient reported high satisfaction with treatment outcomes and ceased all analgesic medications. The patient continues to receive maintenance acupuncture to sustain therapeutic benefits and mitigate long-term chemoradiotherapy-related sequelae.