Research Background
A meta-analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy combined with traditional Korean medicine in the treatment of gastric cancer.
Research Methods
- Subjects: 14 randomized controlled trials, totaling 1,109 gastric cancer patients
- Search Databases: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, CQVIP, Wanfang, CNKI
- Search Period: Studies published up to September 2019
Key Findings
- Tumor Response Rate significantly improved (RR: 1.39, p<0.001)
- Quality of Life (Karnofsky Performance Status) significantly improved (RR: 1.53, p<0.001)
- Reduced Side Effects: Neutropenia (RR: 0.68), leukopenia (RR: 0.69), thrombocytopenia (RR: 0.66), and nausea/vomiting (RR: 0.50) all significantly decreased.
- No significant difference was observed between the two groups for liver dysfunction, neurotoxicity, or anemia.
Conclusion
The combination of traditional Korean medicine and Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy appears to be effective in improving tumor response rates and reducing chemotherapy-related side effects.