Jian Pi Li Qi Decoction Alleviated Postembolization Syndrome Following Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of Jian Pi Li Qi (JPLQ) decoction in improving quality of life of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 150 patients with HCC were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Groups were designed as follows: neither herbal medicine nor placebo administration (group A), placebo treatment (group B), and JPLQ decoction treatment (group C). The measurement methods of the observed outcomes include MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Gastrointestinal module, armpit temperature, and laboratory tests. Results. Among the 140 patients studied, the 12 symptoms rated as most severe, which characterize postembolization syndrome (PES), were fever, pain, fatigue, nausea, disturbed sleep, distress, lack of appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, and feeling bloated. All these increased significantly (all P < .05) after TACE; 7 symptoms, including fever, pain, fatigue, lack of appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation (all P < .05), were found to be relieved significantly by JPLQ. JPLQ also improved the liver function damage caused by TACE. Conclusion. JPLQ decoction may be an effective modality to relieve PES and protect liver function in patients with HCC after TACE.