Kampo therapy for peripheral neuropathy complicated with anti-cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

Background. The author reported the results of Kampo therapy including goshajinkigan combined with some other prescriptions for anticancer chemo­therapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Objectives. From April, 2014 to March, 2015, the following two groups of patients were treated with Kampo therapy. Group 1: 104 patients (male ⁄ female: 15 ⁄ 89), 33–82 years old (mean age 59.8) who had developed peripheral neuropathy complicated by chemotherapy. Group 2: 25 patients (male ⁄ female: 0 ⁄ 25), 39–73 years old (mean age 55.9) who received kampo treatment for preventing peripheral neuropathy.

Methods. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated with numerical rating scale when the neurological improvement was stabilized. The degree of improve­ment of group 1 was evaluated into four categories from 0 to 100% by 25%. They are described as excellent, good, fair, and no change, respectively. Group 2 was assessed based on the residual nerve disorder at the completion of chemotherapy.

Results. Group 1: excellent 32 cases (30.8%), good 27 cases (26.0%), fair 10 cases (9.6%), no change 21 cases (20.1%), and drop out 14 cases (13.5%). Group 2: No residual neuropathy 14 cases (56.0%), Residual neuropathy 8 cases (32.0%), and Drop out 3 cases (12.0%).

Discussion. Peripheral neuropathy due to anticancer chemotherapy is a serious complication. Then proper therapies are expected to prevent or relieve the complication. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy may produce blood and qi stagnation and fluid retention around affected peripheral nerves. The major aim to treat peripheral neuropathy is just to resolve such pathophysiological conditions and to promote self-sustained recovery of the peripheral nerves.

Conclusions. In this study, goshajinkigan combined with Kampo formulation for overcoming blood stagnation, and tonifying qi yielded good outcomes.