title: Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) improves quality of life in patients with advanced solid tumors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a native Amazon plant that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. We wanted to assess its activity for symptom management of terminal cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective phase II study assessed the effects of a 100-mg dose of a dry extract of U. tomentosa three times per day in patients with advanced solid tumors who had no further therapeutic options and a life expectancy of at least 2 months. The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue questionnaires were used to assess the participants' quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire was used to assess anxiety and depression, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality. In addition, several biochemical and inflammatory parameters were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-one volunteers were recruited. Their median age was 64 (range, 33-85) years, and 47% of patients were female. More than 65% of patients had scores on the Karnofsky Performance Scale of 80% or less. Treatment improved the patients' overall quality of life (p=0.0411) and social functioning (p=0.0341), as assessed by the EORTC QLQ C-30, and reduced fatigue (p=0.0496) according to the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire. None of the biochemical or inflammatory parameters assessed (interleukin-1 and -6, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and α-1-acid glycoprotein) changed significantly. No tumor response was detected according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors; however, the disease stabilized for more than 8 months in four participants. The medication was well tolerated by most patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of cat's claw might be beneficial in patients with advanced cancer by improving their quality of life and reducing fatigue. The mechanism of action does not seem to be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control , São Paulo, Brazil .
authors.forename: Larissa Carvalho Lopes
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: de Paula
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Perazzo
authors.forename: Felipe Melo
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cubero
authors.forename: Damila Cristina
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Trufelli
authors.forename: Suelen Patrícia Dos Santos
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Patrícia Xavier
authors.initials: PX
authors.lastname: Santi
authors.forename: Eliana Araújo
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Auro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Del Giglio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020948:Cat's Claw / Q000737:chemistry*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts