OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, modified Taohongsiwu decoction, versus pyridoxine on patients with hand-foot syndrome (HFS) fromcapecitabine, sorafenib, and gefitinib chemotherapyfor gastric, lung, breast, colon, or rectal cancer. Also, to compare quality of life of patients in each group. METHODS: Patients were assigned randomly to group A or B. Group A was given modified Taohongsiwu decoction to soak hands and feet for 30 min, once daily. Group B was given 100 mg pyridoxine orally, twice daily. After a 2-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 found. After 2 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 Taohongsiwu decoction is effective in the treatment of patients with HFS. It improves patients' quality of life according to the HFS-14.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, modified Taohongsiwu decoction, versus pyridoxine on patients with hand-foot syndrome (HFS) from capecitabine, sorafenib, and gefitinib chemotherapy for gastric, lung, breast, colon, or rectal cancer. Also, to compare quality of life of patients in each group. METHODS:Patients were assigned randomly to group A or B. Group A was given modified Taohongsiwu decoction to soak hands and feet for 30 min, once daily. Group B was given 100 mg pyridoxine orally, twice daily. After a 2-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 found. After 2 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 Taohongsiwu decoction is effective in the treatment of patients with HFS. It improves patients' quality of life according to the HFS-14.