Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with or without Chinese herbal therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Chinese herbal therapy is sometimes used in conjunction with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asian countries. This study aims to systemically review the efficacy of Chinese herbal therapy in HCC patients receiving TACE.


METHODS
Meta-analysis was performed for clinical trials comparing Chinese herbal therapy versus no Chinese herbal therapy given to HCC patients receiving TACE. Publications in 10 electronic databases were extensively searched.


CONCLUSIONS
Chinese herbal therapy was associated with a significant rise in the number of patients with survival > 1-year, 2-year and 3-year, as well as a significant rise in the number of patients who reported complete or partial response and non-deterioration performance status. Chinese herbal therapy also showed significant efficacies in the increase of T cells and natural killer cells, whereas a significant lower blood alpha-fetoprotein concentration was reported. There were a significant increase in white blood cell count, a significant lower risk in patients with nausea and vomiting, and a significant rise in patients with increased body weight when Chinese herbal therapy was given. The evidence from this review supports the use of Chinese herbal therapy to enhance the efficacy of TACE in HCC patients. However, owing to limited data and heterogeneity of the included studies, further trials are required.
Cho
William Cs
WC
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Department of Clinical Oncology, Room 1305, 13/F, Block R, 30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. chocs@ha.org.hk
Chen
Hai-Yong
HY
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal