Objective: To observe the effect of Yiqi Huoxue (Replenishing Qi and activating blood circulation, YQHX) decoction in patients with advanced stage esophageal cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT) and intervention chemotherapy (ICT).
Methods: In comparing 31 patients who were treated with RT and ICT (Group A), and 31 patients treated with RT and ICT plus YQHX decoction (Group B).
Results: Immediate effective rate were 48.4% in Group A and 64.5% in Group B (P > 0.05). The function of bone marrow in Group B was obviously higher than that in Group A. The 1 year metastasis rate in Group A was higher than that in Group B, but the long-term survival rate of Group B was obviously higher than that in Group A (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: YQHX decoction could reduce the inhibition of bone marrow caused by radiotherapy and intervention chemotherapy, lower the metastasis rate, prolong the long-term survival rate and improve the quality of life.