Sun, D.Z., Jiao, J.P., Zhang, X., Xu, J.Y., Ye, M., Xiu, L.J., . . . Wei, P.K. (2014). Therapeutic effect of Jinlongshe Granule on quality of life of stage IV gastric cancer patients using EORTC QLQ-C30: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2014(Nov.), 1–8.
To observe functional and symptomatic changes related to quality of life in patients with advanced gastric cancer with administration of Jinlongshe granule (JLSG, a Chinese herbal medicine)
Patients were randomized into a JLSG group or a placebo group. All patients received Chinese medicinal herbs prescribed individually. The intervention arm additionally received JLSG, and the other arm received a placebo three times daily. Patients were followed biweekly in clinic visits. Study measures were obtained at enrollment and at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after treatment.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
There were statistically significant group-by-time effects for multiple symptoms including cognitive function, fatigue, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, and and general quality of life (p < .05). For some symptoms, differences were due to increased symptoms in the placebo group. No information regarding any adverse effects is reported. The direction of change in symptom scores is not always clear in this manuscript.
This study has several limitations that make it difficult to assess the potential efficacy of JLSG for symptom management.
This study provides minimal evidence in support of a specific Chinese herbal medicine in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Further well-designed studies are needed for clinically meaningful evaluation of efficacy.