Clinical Study on Shugan Hewei Formula for Treatment of Cancer-related Depression / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Shugan Hewei Formula for cancer-related depression. Methods Totally 92 cancer-related depression patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 46 patients in each group. All patients already finished the treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and were in stable stage. The Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Dispersible Tablets was given to the patients in the control group, 20 mg each time,once a day,orally;Shugan Hewei Formula was given to those in the treatment group,a dose a day,twice a day, orally. The treatment for both groups lasted for 6 weeks. Before and after treatment, HAMD scores and KPS scores were observed; the change of cerebral neurotransmitters levels in the brain of patients were detected; IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were tested by ELISA. Results HAMD scores in the two groups decreased markedly after treatment (P<0.05). HAMD scores in treatment group was less than that in control group after treatment (P<0.05). KPS scores increased in treatment group after treatment, and were better than the control group (P<0.05). The contents of NE, 5-HT increased, IL-6 and TNF-αdecreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05). The contents of NE and 5-HT in the treatment group were higher than the control group after treatment, while the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were lower than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). No adverse reactions and side effects were observed in the treatment group. 5 cases of mild nausea and 6 cases of abnormal liver function were found in the control group. Conclusion Shugan Hewei Formula can increase the contents of NE and 5-HT in the brain of cancer-related depression patients, decreased cytokines levels, and improve patients' depressive state.