Ben-Arie E, Inprasit C, Lottering B, Yip HT, Ho WC, Lee YC, Kao PY. The Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Patients with Oral, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, and Hypopharynx Cancers: A Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study in Taiwan.
Integr Cancer Ther 2022;
21:15347354221132790. [PMID:
36314371 PMCID:
PMC9623381 DOI:
10.1177/15347354221132790]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Given the prevalent use of tobacco and betel nut in the Taiwanese community,
an increase risk of oral, oropharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck
cancers) is apparent. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and
acupuncture is both common and conveniently accessible in Taiwan, with
treatments being financially supported by the National Health Insurance
(NHI). This study aims to investigate the use of TCM in head and neck
cancers in Taiwan through a longitudinal cohort study.
Methods:
The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was utilized
in order to conduct this study. The study populations consisted of oral,
oropharynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancer)
patients in 2002, which were then followed up until 2007 in regards to TCM
use, until 2013 in regards to acupuncture use and until 2014 for all-cause
mortality. Patients were divided into 4 groups. Common symptoms, Chinese
herbs and formula used, TCM visits and 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality
were analyzed.
Results:
The use of TCM was increased in the second to fourth-year post-diagnosis. TCM
use in nasopharynx cancer patients was higher compared to other cancers. The
number of TCM visits per patient was increased post-diagnosis. The findings
suggest a non-significant reduction in 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality
between TCM II and CON II groups.
Conclusion:
The use of TCM in new patients suffering from head and neck cancers was
increased in close proximity to the cancer diagnosis. The relation between
TCM use and mortality of head and neck cancer should be investigated through
larger scale studies.
Collapse