ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the prevention and treatment effects of Compound Kushen Injection on acute radiation esophagitis. Methods Eighty-two eligible patients with esophageal cancer were randomly divided into the treatment group (41 cases) and the control group (41 cases). All the patients received radiotherapy. Throughout the course of radiotherapy, patients in the treatment group received Compound Kushen Injection, and patients in the control group received Kangfuxin Liquid. Occurrence time and level of radiation esophagitis, and dosage of painkillers were observed. Results Different degrees of acute esophageal toxicity were observed in the two groups. The occurrence rate of high level (degree III and degree IV) acute radiation esophagitis was 7.3%(3/41) in the treatment group, and 31.7%(13/41) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The dosage of the analgesic drug (Fentanyl Transdermal System) in the treatment group was far less than the controlled group (P<0.001). Conclusion Compound Kushen Injection could decrease the incidence rate of acute radiation esophagitis, and reduce the high-level esophagitis and the dosage of the analgesic drug, which can help the completion of radiation.