New Study Shows Chinese Herbal Medicine May Help More Colon Cancer Patients Finish Chemotherapy
A recent clinical trial published in The ASCO Post suggests that a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Jianpi Bushen may help more patients with colon cancer complete their chemotherapy. This could be an important step in improving treatment outcomes.
What Is Jianpi Bushen?
Jianpi Bushen is a mix of 12 herbs commonly used in Chinese medicine. It is designed to support the body during stressful treatments like chemotherapy. The name means “strengthen the spleen and kidney,” which in traditional medicine refers to boosting energy and recovery.
About the Study
The study included 400 patients in China with stage II (high-risk) or stage III colon cancer who had surgery and were scheduled to receive CAPOX chemotherapy (a combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin). Half of the group took Jianpi Bushen herbal granules twice daily during chemotherapy; the other half took a placebo (a look-alike treatment with no active ingredients).
The goal was to see if more patients could finish all their chemotherapy when using Jianpi Bushen.
Key Results
More patients completed chemotherapy with the herbal medicine (63%) than with the placebo (48%).
The biggest benefit was seen in patients with high-risk stage II cancer—73% completed treatment with the herbs compared to 42% with placebo.
Patients younger than 65 also benefited more.
Patients taking the herbal medicine received a higher dose of oxaliplatin, which could mean fewer delays or dose reductions.
Side effects like vomiting were slightly lower in the herbal medicine group, though one blood-related side effect (low platelets) was a bit higher. Overall, side effects were similar in both groups.
How Might It Help?
Researchers believe Jianpi Bushen may protect healthy tissues during chemotherapy. Early lab studies suggest it may work by affecting certain genes and cell signals related to damage and repair. But more research is needed to confirm how it works in people.
Why This Matters
Many patients with colon cancer stop chemotherapy early due to side effects. This can lower the chances of the treatment working long-term. Jianpi Bushen could be a helpful tool to support patients through their full treatment plan.
This is also the first large, carefully designed study showing that a herbal formula may improve cancer treatment in this way.
What Comes Next?
Researchers will continue to follow these patients to see if finishing more chemotherapy leads to longer survival.
More studies are needed to understand exactly how the herbs work and to make sure they are safe when used with modern treatments.
Patients should always talk to their cancer team before trying herbal medicine, as some products may interact with chemotherapy or other drugs.
Final Thoughts
This study gives hope that combining traditional and modern medicine can help patients feel better and complete their treatment. Jianpi Bushen is not yet widely available or approved in all countries, and more research is needed. But it shows promise as a supportive therapy for colon cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
Note: Always consult your doctor before starting any herbal supplement. What works for one patient may not be safe or effective for another.
Reference
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Improving Adjuvant Chemotherapy Completion in Patients With Colon Cancer
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
