Effectiveness and safety of adjunctive traditional Chinese medicine therapy for primary liver cancer patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gradually drawn the attention of clinicians as an alternative for Primary Liver Cancer (PLC), is based on the theory of syndrome differentiation. However, owing to the lack of evidence-based medical evidence, the authors designed this protocol to evaluate TCM's effectiveness and safety.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases will be searched from inception to Aug. 2020. Two of us will independently identify randomized controlled trials, extract the data and assess the risk of bias. The meta-analysis will be conducted with the Review Manager 5.3 software according the heterogeneity of eligible studies. Further, we will use the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation to evaluate the evidence quality.

RESULTS

This study will demonstrate an evidence-based review of TCM for PLC.

CONCLUSION

The study will provide clear evidence to assess the effectiveness and side effects of TCM for PLC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD 42020173748.

Application of traditional Chinese medicine injection in treatment of primary liver cancer: a review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections (TCMIs) for treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC).

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library Controlled Clinical Trials Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Scientific Journal Database (CSJD) and China Biology Medicine (CBM). Online websites including journal websites and databases of ongoing trials, as well as some Traditional Chinese Medicine journals that are not indexed in the electronic databases were also searched. as adjunctive medication for the treatment of PLC could regulate patient immunity, reduce bone marrow suppression, relieve clinical symptoms, and improve quality of life, as well as control disease progression and prolong survival time.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this review, we conclude that application of TCMIs as adjunctive medication may provide benefits for patients with PLC. Further large, high-quality trials are warranted.