JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity (CIGT) is a significant concern for cancer patients, often leading to compromise the quality of life, increasing the risk of treatment discontinuation of patients with cancer. Aromatherapy, a type of complementary and alternative therapy, utilizes essential oils and other aromatic compounds derived from plants to enhance health and well-being. Previous research has indicated the potential therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy for managing nausea, vomiting, mucositis, and constipation, but its efficacy varies, with some studies reporting negligible or inconsistent results.

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate existing randomized controlled trials focusing on the management of CIGT in cancer patients.

Methods:

Nine databases [PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and SinoMed], the World Health Organization Trials Portal, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry will be searched from inception to August 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials focusing on improving the management of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity in patients with cancer. Data on the participant characteristics, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, adverse effects, and conclusions were extracted from the included studies. The meta-analysis used random- or fixed-effects models to assess moderator variables via subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for randomized controlled trials, version 2.

Results:

The review will synthesize data on aromatherapy’s effects across CIGT symptoms, highlighting efficacy variations by essential oil type (e.g., ginger, chamomile), administration method (inhalation, massage), and patient subgroups. Preliminary findings from screened studies suggest mixed outcomes, with some reporting significant reductions in nausea/vomiting (e.g., ginger oil) but limited effects on mucositis or constipation. Subgroup analyses may reveal differential responses based on chemotherapy intensity or cancer type. Adverse events (e.g., mild skin irritation) will be summarized.

Conclusions:

This study will provide the first comprehensive meta-analysis of aromatherapy’s role in CIGT management, addressing inconsistencies in existing literature. Key implications include identifying optimal essential oils and delivery methods for specific symptoms, guiding clinical decision-making. Limitations may arise from heterogeneity in study designs or outcome measures. The findings will support evidence-based integration of aromatherapy into supportive cancer care, emphasizing patient-centered approaches. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols and long-term efficacy assessments. Clinical Trial: CRD42024578888