[Symptoms of Cancer Patients and Kampo Formulas Effective for Them].

Abstract

Patients with cancer exhibit various symptoms induced by cancer itself and its therapy leadingto fatigue; however, their vital energy can be restored by administration of Kampo, which is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine. Restoration and maintenance of mental and physical energy are important for successful cancer treatment. For this purpose, appropriate use of Kampo formulas, such as"Ho-zai", formulas to vitalize fatigued patients (eg, Hochu-ekki-to, Juzen-taiho-to, Ninjin-yoeito), "Hojin-zai", formulas to restore energy (eg, Gosha-jinki-gan), and"Kuoketsu-zai ", formulas to resolve stagnant blood flow (eg, Keishi-bukuryo-gan, Tokaku-joki-to, Toki-shakuyaku-san) are administered in combination. Consequently, basic autonomic functions, such as appetite, sleep, defecation, and urination normalize and the nutritional and mental conditions are restored. These favorable changes in the patients' condition allow completion of the standard cancer therapy course, resultingin an improved outcome of cancer therapy and successful treatment. Kampo therapy can be administered as the final treatment option for patients with last-stage cancer who do not have any other effective therapy options. If patients with cancer are administered Kampo formulas, their vital energy is restored, and they develop a will to fight the cancer. As a result, communication becomes easier.

• Authors: Miki Inoue, Etsuo Hoshino
• Journal: Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy (Gan To Kagaku Ryoho) Vol. 42 Issue 13 Pg. 2418-22 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 0385-0684 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 26809299 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Medicine, Kampo
• Neoplasms (drug therapy, radiotherapy)
• Patient Care Team
• Quality of Life
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)