Effect of Danggui Buxue Medicinal Diet on cancer-related fatigue in anemic colon cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial (CONSORT-compliant).
Ligang Wang, Liu Yang, Long Wang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated a 21-day Danggui Buxue Medicinal Diet alongside standard care in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia after colon cancer surgery. Of 96 patients randomized, 86 completed the study. After intervention, fatigue scores were lower in the diet group than in controls (29.14 ± 2.58 vs 44.02 ± 4.25; mean difference, -14.88; 95% CI, -16.38 to -13.38; P < .001). Hemoglobin and red blood cell counts were higher, while inflammatory markers were lower in the diet group.
Key findings
- Post-intervention CRF scores were 29.14 ± 2.58 with the diet and 44.02 ± 4.25 with standard care; mean difference, -14.88 (95% CI, -16.38 to -13.38; P < .001).
- Hemoglobin was 115.26 ± 11.72 in the diet group versus 106.52 ± 12.93 in controls; mean difference, 8.74 (95% CI, 3.45-14.03; P < .001).
- Red blood cell counts were higher with the diet (mean difference, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44-0.78; P < .001).
- Inflammatory markers were lower with the diet: interleukin-6 mean difference, -16.28, and tumor necrosis factor-α mean difference, -26.09 (both P < .001).
Why it matters
Fatigue and anemia can complicate chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery. This trial reports improvements in fatigue scores alongside hematological measures and inflammatory markers with an added dietary intervention. The findings provide preliminary clinical evidence relevant to supportive care in this specific population, while the study design and reported outcomes do not establish broader effectiveness.
What to keep in mind
Ten of the 96 randomized patients did not complete the study. The abstract reports outcomes after a 21-day intervention and does not provide longer-term follow-up.