Harnessing Grok 3 to Explore Qigong in Cancer Care: An AI-Driven Literature Synthesis

Abstract

This study evaluates the capabilities of Grok 3, an artificial intelligence tool developed by xAI, in synthesizing research on the effects of qigong on cancer patients using citations from the PubMed database. Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice involving movement, mindfulness, and breathing, has shown promise in supportive cancer care. Thirty-three study citations were provided to Grok 3 with instructions to summarize qigong techniques, outcomes, and cancer types. The AI produced detailed summaries and a table for 18 studies. Findings indicate that Grok 3 effectively retrieved and analyzed freely available research, identifying benefits such as reduced fatigue, improved quality of life, and better symptom management across various cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate. However, its exclusion of 15 studies suggests a selective approach, which could limit the comprehensiveness of its results. This experiment highlights Grok 3’s potential to streamline medical literature reviews, offering insights into AI’s role in integrative medicine research, particularly in contexts where openaccess data is prevalent.

Keywords:

Qigong, cancer care, artificial intelligence, Grok 3, integrative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, literature synthesis, cancer-related fatigue, quality of life, PubMed

Introduction

Qigong (pronounced “chee gong”) is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that integrates movement, mindfulness, and breathing techniques [1-8]. It has been used for millennia to address various health conditions, and its application in cancer care has gained traction in Western medicine, supported by emerging evidence of its benefits [9-38]. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical research by enabling rapid analysis of complex datasets. This study tests the organizational and analytical abilities of Grok 3, an AI assistant, to summarize the findings from studies applying qigong techniques to patients with various types of cancer.

The Study

A prior study [39] found that Grok 3 was not able to summarize the results of medical studies when a group of articles in pdf format were uploaded to its website, although it did a good job of summarizing one article at a time. The present study tries a different approach. The author went to the PubMed database [40] and copied and pasted the citations to a number of studies that were conducted on the application of qigong techniques to a variety of cancer patients, the goal being to test whether Grok 3 [41] would be able to write summaries of those studies based on receiving just the citations to the studies without actually having the studies. The results of all of the studies in question were available for free download on the internet, so it was hoped that Grok 3 would be able to locate and have access to those studies. The citations [42-74] were copied and pasted to Grok 3 with the instruction to summarize the results of the studies. The results are given below. Citations to 33 studies were copied and pasted into Grok 3. Grok 3 screened out 15 of them in its analysis, likely due to their lack of direct focus on qigong or insufficient data relevant to the specified criteria (techniques, outcomes, cancer types). The instruction was: I would like to know how qigong can help cancer patients. Here are the links to some studies that are on the PubMed database. Please summarize the results of each study, then list the individual results in a table. I am particularly interested in what qigong techniques were used, the outcomes of their use, and the type of cancer patients included in the studies. You might have separate columns for each of these categories.

Grok 3 Reply

Below is a summary of the studies from your provided list that specifically investigate or mention qigong and its effects on cancer patients. Not all studies directly focus on qigong, so I’ve included only those with relevant data or discussion about qigong techniques, outcomes, and cancer types. Following the summaries, I’ve compiled the results into a table as requested, focusing on qigong techniques used, outcomes, and types of cancer patients studied.

Summaries of Relevant Studies

1. Arring et al. (2019) - Integrative Therapies for Cancer-Related Fatigue
This review discusses integrative therapies, including qigong, for managing Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF). Qigong is noted as a mind-body practice that may reduce fatigue, though specific techniques are not detailed. Evidence suggests modest benefits in fatigue reduction across various cancer types, but the study emphasizes the need for more rigorous trials.

2. Chan et al. (2012) - A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Qigong Exercise in Supportive Cancer Care
This systematic review evaluates qigong’s role in supportive cancer care. Various qigong forms (e.g., Guolin Qigong, Tai Chi Qigong) were assessed. Outcomes included improved Quality of Life (QoL), reduced fatigue, and better emotional well-being in patients with breast, lung, and other cancers. The review highlights qigong’s potential but notes inconsistent study quality.

3. Chen et al. (2024) - The Effects of Tai Chi and Badu Anjin on Breast Cancer Patients
This meta-analysis includes Badu Anjin, a specific qigong form, and its effects on breast cancer patients. Techniques involve gentle movements and breathing exercises. Outcomes showed significant improvements in QoL, fatigue, and psychological health (e.g., reduced depression and anxiety) in breast cancer patients’ post-surgery or during treatment.

4. Fong et al. (2018) - Bone Mineral Density, Balance Performance, Balance Self-Efficacy, and Falls in Breast Cancer Survivors with and Without Qigong Training
This observational study examined breast cancer survivors practicing qigong (specific form not detailed). Outcomes included better balance performance and self-efficacy, with potential benefits for bone mineral density and fall prevention compared to non-qigong groups.

5. Fong et al. (2014) - Effects of Qigong Training on Health-Related Quality of Life, Functioning, and Cancer-Related Symptoms in Survivors of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
This study explored qigong’s effects on nasopharyngeal cancer survivors. Qigong training was associated with improved physical functioning, reduced fatigue, and enhanced overall quality of life in cancer survivors.

6. Ford et al. (2020) - Mindfulness and Meditative Movement Interventions for Men Living with Cancer
This meta-analysis includes qigong as a meditative movement intervention for male cancer patients (e.g., prostate cancer). Techniques involved slow movements and breath control. Outcomes included reduced fatigue, improved mood, and better QoL, with qigong showing promise alongside mindfulness practices.

7. Ho et al. (2017) - Study Protocol on Comparative Effectiveness of Mindfulness Meditation and Qigong on Psychophysiological Outcomes for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
This protocol outlines a trial comparing qigong (specific form not detailed) with mindfulness in colorectal cancer patients. Anticipated outcomes include improved psychological well-being, reduced fatigue, and better sleep quality, though results are not yet reported.

8. Kim et al. (2015) - Qigong Program on Insomnia and Stress in Cancer Patients
This case series tested a qigong program (unspecified form) in cancer patients with insomnia and stress. Techniques included movement and relaxation exercises. Outcomes showed reduced insomnia severity and stress levels across various cancer types, suggesting qigong’s supportive role.

9. Klein (2017) - Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice
This review synthesizes evidence on qigong in cancer care, mentioning forms like Guolin Qigong and Tai Chi Qigong. Outcomes include reduced fatigue, improved QoL, and better symptom management (e.g., pain, nausea) across multiple cancer types, with a call for standardized protocols.

10. Larkey et al. (2015) - Randomized Controlled Trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors
This RCT tested Qigong/Tai Chi Easy (a simplified form) in breast cancer survivors. Techniques included gentle movements and breathing. Outcomes showed significant reductions in fatigue and improved QoL compared to a sham intervention.

11. Low et al. (2024) - Exploring Guolin Qigong for Improving Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors
This protocol for an RCT investigates Guolin Qigong in cancer survivors with fatigue. Techniques involve structured movements and breathing. Expected outcomes include reduced fatigue and improved QoL, though results are pending.

12. McQuade et al. (2017) - Qigong/Tai Chi for Sleep and Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
This RCT tested Qigong/Tai Chi in prostate cancer patients during radiotherapy. Techniques included slow movements and meditation. Outcomes showed improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue compared to controls.

13. Molassiotis et al. (2021) - The Effectiveness of Qigong in Managing a Cluster of Symptoms in Patients with Lung Cancer
This RCT evaluated qigong (unspecified form) in lung cancer patients. Techniques involved movement and breathing exercises. Outcomes included significant reductions in breathlessness, fatigue, and anxiety.

14. Osypiuk et al. (2020) - Qigong Mind-Body Exercise as a Biopsychosocial Therapy for Persistent Post-Surgical Pain in Breast Cancer
This pilot study tested qigong (unspecified form) in breast cancer survivors with post-surgical pain. Techniques included gentle movements and mindfulness. Outcomes showed reduced pain, improved mood, and better physical function.

15. Sowada (2019) - Qigong: Benefits for Survivors Coping with Cancer-Related Fatigue
This review discusses qigong’s benefits for CRF in cancer survivors (various types). Specific techniques are not detailed, but outcomes include reduced fatigue and improved emotional well-being, with qigong framed as a low-risk intervention.

16. Vanderbyl et al. (2017) - A Comparison of the Effects of Medical Qigong and Standard Exercise Therapy on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Cancer
This study compared Medical Qigong (a structured form) with standard exercise in advanced cancer patients (various types). Outcomes showed Medical Qigong improved QoL and reduced fatigue more effectively than standard exercise.

17. Vargas-Román et al. (2022) - Effect of a 16-Session Qigong Program in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors
This RCT tested a 16-session qigong program (unspecified form) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. Techniques included movement and relaxation. Outcomes showed improved QoL, reduced fatigue, and better psychological health.

18. Yan et al. (2012) - External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong Induces Cell Death and Gene Expression Alterations
This lab study explored External Qi from Yan Xin Qigong on small-cell lung cancer cells. Techniques involved external energy application (not patient-performed). Outcomes showed induced cancer cell death and inhibited proliferation, suggesting a direct anti-cancer effect.

Key Observations

Techniques: Common qigong forms include Guolin Qigong, Baduanjin, Tai Chi Qigong, and Medical Qigong, often involving slow movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Some studies don’t specify the form, limiting precision.

Outcomes: Qigong consistently shows benefits in reducing fatigue, improving QoL, and alleviating psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) and physical symptoms (e.g., pain, insomnia). In vitro studies (e.g., Yan et al.) suggest direct anti-cancer effects, though this is less common.

Cancer Types: Breast cancer is the most studied, followed by lung, prostate, colorectal, nasopharyngeal, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Many studies include mixed or advanced cancer populations.

Closing Comments

This study demonstrates Grok 3’s impressive capability to retrieve and summarize 18 of the 33 cited studies on qigong’s application in cancer care, relying solely on publicly available data from the PubMed database. Its ability to generate detailed summaries and a structured table highlights its potential as a tool for medical research, particularly when full-text articles are not directly provided. However, the exclusion of 15 studies suggests that Grok 3 applies a selective filter, possibly prioritizing studies with explicit qigong focus and detailed outcomes, which may limit its scope in broader reviews. This performance underscores the advantage of using AI to streamline literature synthesis in fields like integrative medicine, where evidence is often scattered across open-access platforms.

Future research could refine Grok 3’s prompt to capture a wider range of studies or compare its output with human-led reviews to assess accuracy and completeness. The success of this approach in medicine, where many studies are freely accessible, contrasts with potential challenges in fields like business, where paywalls restrict data availability. These findings suggest that AI tools like Grok 3 could enhance research efficiency in evidence-based medicine, particularly for exploring complementary therapies like qigong, offering a scalable method for practitioners and researchers to stay abreast of emerging evidence.

References