Zhao Changlin, et al.
Clifford Hospital, Oncological Integrative Treatment Center
Publication: JTCM
Objective: To observe the effect of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, modified Taohong Siwu Decoction, versus pyridoxine on patients with hand-foot syndrome (HFS) from capecitabine, sorafenib, and gefitinib chemotherapy for gastric, lung, breast, colon, or rectal cancer. Quality of life of the patients were compared within each group.
Methods: Patients were assigned randomly to group A or Group B. Group A was given modified Taohong Siwu decoction to soak hands and feet for 30 min, once daily. Group B was given 100 mg pyridoxine orally, twice daily. After a two-week treatment, the therapeutic effect was assessed by observing three major symptoms, including pain, ulceration, and muscular atrophy. This was assessed with the HFS-14 questionnaire.
Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups in pain relief, and improvement of daily life, walking, and interpersonal communication (P < 0.01). No significant differences in driving ability or interpersonal relationships were revealed. After two weeks, the effective rate was 88.3% in group A, which was significantly higher than the 50% in group B (P = 0.00).
Conclusion: Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction is effective in the treatment of patients with HFS. It improves patients' quality of life according to the HFS-14.
Keywords:Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction; Chemotherapy-induced; Hand-foot Syndrome
