Abstract
Twenty-eight terminally ill cancer patients, whose prognoses were diagnosed poor by oncology specialists, were treated comprehensively by complementary agents and logotherapeutic approaches. The effects were evaluated retrospectively. They were evaluated subjectively by a QOL questionnaire and objectively by urine 17-KS-S (abbreviated to S), 17-OHCS (OH) and S/OH ratio. Supplementary agents of Juzentaihoto (Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang), Korean red ginseng and coenzyme Q 10 were administered and the psychotherapy based on logotherapy (existential analysis) was performed. Prolongation of lives and improvement of QOL were observed (less than 6 months to 18 months). Their lower S and S/OH ratio increased. Among them 6 cases showed an existential shift (shift group). In the shift group and the non-shift group, the biopsychosocial and existential conditions were examined. Total-QOL, appetite, high S value, supreme experience, awareness of meaning of lives showed higher scores in the shift group than in the non-shift group. Dying with dignity was more apparent in the shift group.
