Kampo medicines for supportive care of patients with cancer: A brief review

BACKGROUND: Kampo medicines, which are standardized traditional Japanese herbal medicines, have been tried to support patients with cancer. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials on the use of Kampo medicines for cancer supportive care and the descriptions of Kampo medicines in clinical practice guidelines were reviewed. RESULTS: Kampo medicines potentially ameliorate refractory symptoms in cancer patients. For example, hochuekkito, juzentaihoto, and ninjin'yoeito seem to be efficacious for fatigue/general malaise. Potential use of rikkunshito for anorexia/cancer cachexia and goshajinkigan for peripheral neuropathy is proposed from small numbers of randomized controlled trials in addition to basic research. The number of clinical practice guidelines which contain descriptions of Kampo medicines is increasing in general, but only a few in the area of cancer supportive care. CONCLUSION: Kampo medicines potentially play some roles in preventing or ameliorating side effects of anticancer agents. Supportive care with Kampo medicines for patients with cancer might lead to physical, mental, and nutritional improvement.