Health-Related Quality of Life Intervention for Cancer Survivors: The ‘HERBAL’ Trial
Introduction
This study explores the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to help cancer survivors deal with fatigue and cognitive symptoms. We specifically looked at a TCM blend called modified Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (XBYRT) and compared its effects on quality of life (QOL) and symptoms of fatigue and cognition against a placebo.
Methods
In a pilot trial from 2019 to 2022, we recruited cancer survivors aged 21 and older who were experiencing fatigue. Participants received either XBYRT or a diluted placebo daily for 8 weeks. We assessed their quality of life, fatigue, cognitive function, and any side effects at the start, after 4 weeks, after 8 weeks, and again 2 weeks later.
Results
Out of 1502 screened patients, 672 were eligible, with 15 receiving XBYRT and 13 receiving placebo. Both groups had similar average ages and were mostly Chinese breast cancer patients diagnosed at stage 2. While no major differences in overall quality of life were found, those taking XBYRT reported:
- Improved emotional fatigue after 8 weeks (P = .045).
- Higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at the 4-week and 8-week marks (P = .047 at T2; P = .029 at T3).
- Better perceived cognitive function after 8 weeks (P = .028).
XBYRT was generally well tolerated, with minor side effects reported in both groups.
Conclusion
This pilot study suggests that XBYRT is a safe option that may help improve cognitive and fatigue symptoms in cancer survivors. However, the small size of the study means these results should be confirmed with a larger trial.
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