ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the adjunctive roles of Qingliu Lianghou Recipe (QLR) in treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 156 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were recruited, including 21 cases of stage I, 34 in stage II, 55 in stage III, and 46 in stage IV. Of them, 31 patients (Group A) were managed with operation and post-operative radiotherapy, 40 patients (Group B) with operation, post-operative radiotherapy, and QLR, 45 patients (Group C) were managed with concomitant chemoradiotherapy, 40 patients (Group D)with concomitant chemoradiation and QLR. QLR was given for 12 weeks. The radio- and chemotoxic reactions, quality of life (KPS score), and long-term efficacy (the recurrence time and the survival time) were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The toxicity levels were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A, manifested as radioactive dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, changes in body weight, and lymphatic edema (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The toxicity levels were significantly lower in Group D than in Group C, manifested as radioactive dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, marrow depression, changes in body weight, and gastrointestinal reactions (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After treatment the KPS scores of all patients obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). But the KPS scores were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05), and they were significantly higher in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.05). The 3-year recurrence rate of patients in Group A was 41.94%, 20.00% in Group B, 60.00% in Group C, and 37.50% in Group D (P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients in Group A was 38.71%, 62.50% in Group B, 22.22% in Group C, and 42.50% in Group D (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>QLR could effectively prevent and reduce the toxicity response caused by operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The combination therapy of integrative medicine could postpone the recurrence and prolong the lifespan of patients. Therefore, we must not neglect the adjunctive therapy of QLR in treating hypopharyngeal carcinoma.</p>