Journal of Nippon Medical School
Online ISSN : 1347-3409
Print ISSN : 1345-4676
ISSN-L : 1345-4676
Reviews
Role of Kampo Medicine in Modern Cancer Therapy: Towards Completion of Standard Treatment
Yoshiharu Motoo
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2022 Volume 89 Issue 2 Pages 139-144

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Abstract

Kampo Medicine is a traditional Japanese medicine and is well integrated with modern medicine. Anticancer agents are highly developed, and evidence regarding standard treatment has accumulated. Kampo Medicine helps support patients with cancer who lack vital energy and feel cold. Cancer chemotherapy is associated with adverse reactions that are refractory to modern therapy, such as anorexia, general malaise/fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy. Recently, evidence of the effectiveness of Kampo Medicines for these symptoms has been reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Japan Society for Oriental Medicine celebrated the first 20 years of its evidence-based medicine (EBM) committee in June 2021. The activities of this committee include publication of the Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment, which contains RCTs and meta-analyses, including RCTs on cancer supportive care. Evidence is accumulating for hangeshashinto for mucositis, rikkunshito for anorexia, goshajinkigan and ninjin'yoeito for peripheral neuropathy, hochuekkito for general malaise/fatigue, and shakuyakukanzoto for myalgia/arthralgia. However, additional evidence and further clinical trials are needed. Supportive care with Kampo Medicine increases the likelihood of completing standard treatment for cancer.

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© 2022 by the Medical Association of Nippon Medical School
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