Clinical Observation of Fuzheng Xiaoji Granule in the Treatment of Stage IIIC Colorectal Cancer.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Fuzheng Xiaoji granule in patients with stage IIIC colorectal cancer. Methods: A total of 150 patients with stage IIIC colorectal cancer treated in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 were selected. They were divided into treatment and control groups according to a 2 : 1 random number table. There were 100 cases in the treatment group and 50 cases in the control group. The treatment group was administered Fuzheng Xiaoji (FZXJ) granule, and the control group was administered the placebo orally. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). In addition, after 6 months, the changes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom score (fatigue, emotional depression, chest tightness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, soreness and weakness in the waist and legs, chills, and dysphoria in the chest, palm, and soles) were compared. Results: The DFS was 34.37 ± 2.91 months in the control group and 37.0 ± 1.08 months in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed less fatigue, abdominal distension, and soreness and weakness in the waist and legs (p < 0.05), significantly. The scores of emotional depression and anorexia decreased obviously, with a significant difference between the control and treatment groups (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the control and treatment groups in the incidence of chest tightness, insomnia, abdominal pain, chills, and dysphoria in the chest, palm, and soles (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Fuzheng Xiaoji granule can improve patients' symptoms and prolong the DFS.

Overexpression of Interferon-Inducible Protein 16 Promotes Progression of Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Through Interleukin-1ß-Induced Tumor-Associated Macrophage Infiltration in the Tumor Microenvironment.

Activation of inflammasomes has been reported in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD); however, the expression pattern and functional role of inflammasome-related proteins in PAAD have yet to be identified. In this study, we systemically examined the expression and role of different inflammasome proteins by retrieving human expression data. Several genes were found to be differentially expressed; however, only interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) expression was found to be adversely correlated with the overall survival of PAAD patients. Overexpression of IFI16 significantly promoted tumor growth, increased tumor size and weight in the experimental PAAD model of mice, and specifically increased the population of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment. Depletion of TAMs by injection of liposome clodronate attenuated the IFI16 overexpression-induced tumor growth in PAAD. In vitro treatment of conditioned medium from IFI16-overexpressing PAAD cells induced maturation, proliferation, and migration of bone marrow-derived monocytes, suggesting that IFI16 overexpression resulted in cytokine secretion that favored the TAM population. Further analysis suggested that IFI16 overexpression activated inflammasomes, thereby increasing the release of IL-1ß. Neutralization of IL-1ß attenuated TAM maturation, proliferation, and migration induced by the conditioned medium from IFI16-overexpressing PAAD cells. Additionally, knockdown of IFI16 could significantly potentiate gemcitabine treatment in PAAD, which may be associated with the reduced infiltration of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment. The findings of our study shed light on the role of IFI16 as a potential therapeutic target for PAAD.

Sorafenib for treating head and neck adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site: a case report.

The aim of the present study was to report a rare case of head and neck adenocarcinoma with an unknown primary site in a 59-year-old man. After disease progression followed by multiple cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, genetic screening using next-generation sequencing identified vascular endothelial growth factor A amplification and the TP53 R209Kfs mutation. Treatment with the multi-targeted protein kinase inhibitor sorafenib controlled the patient's symptoms and improved his quality of life.

Correction: Smart Soup, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Ameliorates Amyloid Pathology and Related Cognitive Deficits.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111215.].

Prognostic values of common clinical parameters in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a large multicenter cohort study of ten years.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a multicenter cohort study to investigate the prognostic value of some commonly-used laboratory indices in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: A multicenter cohort study was conducted from 2004 to 2013. The associations between laboratory indices and prognosis of advanced PDAC were examined. RESULTS: This cohort consisted of 553 females (36.2%) and 973 males (63.8%). Patients at cancer stage III and IV were 595 (39.0%) and 931 (61.0%), respectively. The median survival of stage III patients was 9.0 months, with 3-, 6-, and 12-month survival rates of 94.5%, 73.4%, and 28.5%, respectively. The median survival of stage IV patients was 5.4 months, with 3-, 6-, and 12-month survival rates of 79.3%, 42.9%, and 15.0%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, primary tumor diameter, low albumin, and elevated CA19-9 were associated with decreased survival for stage III patients. Age, smoking, primary tumor diameter, elevated ALT or AST, low albumin, and elevated CA19-9 were associated with decreased survival for stage IV patients. CONCLUSION: Elevated CA19-9 level, decreased albumin level, and tumor size were associated with worse survival in stage III patients. Meanwhile, advanced age, smoking, and ALT or AST level were negatively correlated to prognosis in stage IV patients.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Survival in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

This study aimed to develop and validate an effective prognostic nomogram for advanced PDAC patients. We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study involving 1,526 advanced PDAC patients from three participating hospitals in China between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. Two thirds of the patients were randomly assigned to the training set (n = 1,017), and one third were assigned to the validation set (n = 509). Multivariate cox regression analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors for overall survival to develop the nomogram. Internal and external validation using C-index and calibration curve were conducted in the training set and validation set respectively. As results, seven independent prognostic factors were identified: age, tumor stage, tumor size, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), ALB (albumin), CA 19-9, HBV infection status, and these factors were entered into the nomogram. The proposed nomogram showed favorable discrimination and calibration both in the training set and validation set. The C-indexes of the training set and validation set were 0.720 and 0.696 respectively, which were both significantly higher than that of the staging system (C-index = 0.613, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the proposed nomogram may be served as an effective tool for prognostic evaluation of advanced PDAC.

Combined application of diclofenac and celecoxib with an opioid yields superior efficacy in metastatic bone cancer pain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic bone cancer pain is one of the most common clinical cancer pains and is caused by many factors. This study was conducted to explore the clinical efficacy of using two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with an opioid in treating metastatic bone cancer pain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 342 patients with a pain score of 7-10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) were recruited for 4 weeks of treatment and randomly assigned to three different groups-one group received two NSAIDs (diclofenac and celecoxib), one group received diclofenac, and one group received celecoxib. All patients received morphine sulfate 10 mg/12 h with a reduction of 50% or addition of 25% each time until the VAS score was <5. The VAS score, remission rate (RR), breakthrough pain (BTP), morphine sulfate dose and side-effects among the three groups were compared. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, we found that using two NSAIDs along with an opioid could yield a significantly lower VAS score (p = 0.006), higher RR (p = 0.0002) and fewer incidences of BTP (p = 0.011), compared to the use of only one NSAID. Furthermore, using two NSAIDS could significantly decrease the consumption of morphine sulfate compared to using each NSAID in isolation (p = 0.0031 in week 1; p = 0.020 in week 2; p = 0.0012 in week 4). Additionally, using two NSAIDs could produce fewer incidences of dizziness (p = 0.002), constipation (p < 0.0001) and drowsiness (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although limited by the relatively small samples, these results indicate that using two NSAIDs along with an opioid in treating metastatic bone cancer pain was more effective and acceptable, which is worthy of further clinical application.

Is chronic hepatitis B infection a protective factor for the progression of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? An analysis from a large multicenter cohort study.

PURPOSE: Whether the progression of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients could be affected by HBV exposure remains to be determined. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the effect of HBV infection on PDAC progression among a large cohort in China. METHODS: A multicenter cohort study was conducted to explore whether liver metastasis and overall survival in locally advanced and metastatic PDAC could be affected by HBV infection. In this study, we collected 1,526 advanced PDAC patients at three participating hospitals - Shanghai Cancer Center, Changhai Hospital and Ruijin Hospital from 2004 to 2013. The association between HBV status and advanced PDAC progression was then examined. RESULTS: In multivariable Logistic regression model, chronic hepatitis B(CHB) infection was inversely associated with synchronous liver metastasis compared to non HBV infection (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.85) for stage IV patients. In a multivariable Cox model, CHB infection (HR=0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.82) is considered as a protective factor of metachronous liver metastasis compared to Non HBV infection for stage III patients. For stage IV patients, CHB infection was inversely associated with overall survival compared to non HBV infection (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.95). Inactive carrier(IC) and resolved HBV infection showed no significant association with survival compared to non HBV infection. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that CHB infection may serve as an independent factor which decrease synchronous or metachronous liver metastasis, and increase overall survival among advanced PDAC patients.

Lobetyol activate MAPK pathways associated with G1/S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MKN45 cells in vitro and in vivo.

AIM: The agent lobetyol, which is isolated from Lobelia chinensis, was previously shown to be cytotoxicity againts several cancer cell lines in published report. Today, we perform a study in vitro and in vivo to analyze its anti-carcinoma effect in MKN45 cells and to explore the molecular mechanism. MAIN METHODS: The growth inhibition of lobetyol on MKN45 cells was analyzed with MTT and flow cytometry. Hoechst 33342 staining and TUNEL cover glass staining were used to provide the visual evidence of apoptosis. Western blotting assay was performed to study the activation or blocking of related signaling pathways. KEY FINDINGS: Lobetyol induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a time- and dose-dependent manner in MKN45 cells in our study. This process is mediated by the MAPK signaling pathways. This study confirmed the cytotoxicity of lobetyol in MKN45 cells and provided an insight into the molecular mechanism, which demonstrates the potential of lobetyol as an anti-tumor agent.

The combination of aricept with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, smart soup, may be a novel way to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease affecting cognitive function in the elderly, which is characterized by the presence of extracellular deposits of insoluble amyloid-ß plaques and neuronal loss. Modern pharmacology and drug development usually follow a single-target principle, which might contribute to the failure of most compounds in clinical trials against AD. Considering AD is a multifactorial disease, a combination therapeutic strategy that applies drugs with different mechanisms would be an alternative way. Smart Soup (SS), a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, is composed of three herbaceous plants and has been applied in the treatment of amnesia in China for hundreds of years. In this work, we studied the clinical potency of the combination of SS and Aricept in AD therapy. In the in vivo model, both longevity and locomotive activity of AD transgenic Drosophila were improved remarkably in the combined medicine treated group. We also observed less amyloid-ß deposition and retarded neuronal loss following the combined drug treatment. In the retrospective cohort study, we found the combination therapy exerted better therapeutic effect on AD patients. Our study revealed that combination therapy with multiple drug targets did have a better therapeutic outcome. It provides a new strategy to develop an optimum pharmaceutical approach against AD.

Smart Soup, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, ameliorates amyloid pathology and related cognitive deficits.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes substantial public health care burdens. Intensive efforts have been made to find effective and safe disease-modifying treatment and symptomatic intervention alternatives against AD. Smart Soup (SS), a Chinese medicine formula composed of Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (AT), Poria cum Radix Pini (PRP) and Radix Polygalae (RP), is a typical prescription against memory deficits. Here, we assessed the efficacy of SS against AD. Oral administration of SS ameliorated the cognitive impairment of AD transgenic mice, with reduced Aß levels, retarded Aß amyloidosis and reduced Aß-induced gliosis and neuronal loss in the brains of AD mice. Consistently, SS treatment reduced amyloid-related locomotor dysfunctions and premature death of AD transgenic Drosophila. Mechanistic studies showed that RP reduced Aß generation, whereas AT and PRP exerted neuroprotective effects against Aß. Taken together, our study indicates that SS could be effective against AD, providing a practical therapeutic strategy against the disease.

Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs combined with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) targeted treatment has been a standard therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but it is not tolerated well by all patients. In China, some studies have reported that traditional Chinese medicinal herbs (TCMHs) may increase efficacy and reduce toxicity when combined with EGFR-TKI, but outside of China few studies of this kind have been attempted. OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to systematically review the existing clinical evidence on TCMHs combined with EGFR-TKI for treatment of advanced NSCLC. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), the China BioMedical Literature (CBM), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and web site of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) were searched; the search included all documents published in English or Chinese before October 2013. INCLUSION CRITERIA: We selected randomized controlled trials based on specific criteria, the most important of which was that a TCMH plus EGFR-TKI treatment group was compared with an EGFR-TKI control group in patients with advanced NSCLC. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: The modified Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of studies. For each included study, patient characteristics, treatment details, therapeutic approach and clinical outcomes were collected on a standardized form. When disagreements on study inclusion or data extracted from a study emerged, the consensus of all coauthors provided the resolution. The clinical outcome metrics consisted of objective response rate (ORR; complete response + partial response divided by the total number of patients), disease control rate (DCR; complete response + partial response + no change divided by the total number of patients), survival rate, improved or stabilized Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and severe toxicity. RevMan 5.0 software was used for data syntheses and analyses. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated; if the hypothesis of homogeneity was not rejected (P>0.1, I(2)<50%), the fixed-effect model was used to calculate the summary RR and the 95% CI. Otherwise, a random-effect model was used. RESULTS: In this review, 19 studies were included based on the selection criteria. Of them, 13 studies were of high quality and 6 studies were of low quality, according to the modified Jadad scale. When the TCMH plus EGFR-TKI treatment groups were compared with the EGFR-TKI control groups the meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant higher ORR (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.57; P=0.000 2), DCR (RR 1.18; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.27; P<0.000 1), one-year survival rate (RR 1.21; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.44; P=0.04), 2-year survival rate (RR 1.91; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.89; P=0.002) and improved or stable KPS (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.51; P<0.000 01). Severe toxicity for rash was decreased (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.94; P=0.03), as were nausea and vomiting (RR 0.17; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.72; P=0.02) and diarrhea (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.89; P=0.02). Sensitivity analysis indicated that findings of the meta-analysis were robust to study quality. In the funnel plot analysis, asymmetry was observed, and publication bias was indicated by Egger's test (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: TCMH intervention can increase efficacy and reduce toxicity when combined with EGFR-TKI for advanced NSCLC, although this result requires further verification by more well designed studies.

Capecitabine plus irinotecan versus 5-FU/leucovorin plus irinotecan in the treatment of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The XELIRI regimen and FOLFIRI regimen are used as the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. A comparison of findings from different studies that examined the efficacy and safety of these 2 regimens often show conflicting results. This metaanalysis compared the XELIRI and FOLFIRI regimens in the treatment of mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six studies comparing the safety and efficacy of XELIRI- and FOLFIRI-based treatment of mCRC were identified from MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar (until January 31, 2013) databases. RESULTS: No significant difference in ORR, PFS, or OS between XELIRI and FOLFIRI as first-line therapy in patients with colorectal cancer was found in this analysis. Except for XELIRI being associated with a higher incidence of diarrhea, both treatment regimens had similar safety profiles. CONCLUSION: Both XELIRI and FOLFIRI regimens had similar efficacy as first-line treatment in patients with mCRC with similar adverse event profiles. Our findings suggest that XELIRI and FOLFIRI are appropriate first-line treatment options for mCRC patients.

[Xuefu zhuyu oral liquid intervened stress-stimulated depression model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effects of xuefu zhuyu Oral Liquid (XZOL) on the brain behavior and monoamine neurotransmitter 5-HT, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content on depression model rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the XZOL group, and the Deanxit Tablet group, 12 in each group. The depressive rat model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress method. XZOL was administered to rats in the XZOL group by gastro-gavage, while Deanxit Tablet was given to those in the Deanxit Tablet group by gastrogavage. The intervention lasted for two weeks. The behavioral changes were observed by sucrose water consumption test and open-field test. The 5-HT and BDNF contents were detected using ELISA. RESULTS: After chronic stress stimulus, experimental rats in the model group might have abnormal behavioral changes and lowered 5-HT content, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P <0.01). No obvious change in stimulated rats' behavior after intervention of XZOL and Deanxit Tablet. 5-HT content was not obviously reduced (P>0.05). Besides, XZOL was superior to Deanxit Tablet in increasing the 5-HT content (P<0.05). But the brain BDNF level of rats in the model group was not statistically different from that of rats in the model group (P >0.05), while the brain BDNF level of rats in the XZOL group and the Deanxit Tablet group was lower than that of rats in the model group (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Stress can lead to behavioral changes and lowered 5-HT content of rats. The intervention of XZOL could fight against depression-induced behavioral changes and increase 5-HT content. But it did not significantly affect the brain BDNF level. We inferred that it might not effect through the BDNF pathway.

[Effects of qisheng mixture on chemotherapy induced myelosuppression in patients with colorectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the intervention of Qisheng Mixture (QM) on the chemotherapy induced myelosuppression in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with colorectal cancer at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine were randomly assigned to the pure chemotherapy group (as the control group) and the QM + chemotherapy group (as the treatment group), 60 in each group. All patients received FOLFOX4 or XELOX regimen for totally 6 cycles. Patients in the treatment group took QM 150 mL at the end of chemotherapy, once in the morning and once in the evening for 7 successive days, totally 6 therapeutic courses. The total and average dosages of using granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) were observed in all patients. The changes of white blood cell (WBC) counts were determined before chemotherapy and after the 6th chemotherapy. The hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts were observed before chemotherapy, before the 4th chemotheray, and after the 6th chemotherapy. The clinical symptoms integrals (fatigue, liability to catch cold, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngalgia, pale complexion, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and so on) and the safety indicators (the functions of the liver and kidney, urine routines) were observed. The grading toxic and adverse reactions, KPS scoring, body weight, and the efficacy of the symptoms integrals were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: During the treatment period the total and average dosages of G-CSF used were larger in the control group than in the treatment group (P<0.01). After treatment the WBC count of the two groups were reduced with statistical difference (P<0.01). The WBC counts were higher in the treatment group than in the control group in the whole therapeutic process except the first chemotherapy (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, RBC and PLT were reduced in the two groups before the 4th chemotherapy, RBC, Hb, and PLT were reduced after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Better effects on body weight were obtained in the treatment group than in the control group with statistical difference (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the clinical symptoms integrals such as fatigue, liability to catch cold, pharyngalgia, pale complexion, poor appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea were reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the toxic and adverse reactions were reduced in the treatment group before the 4th chemotherapy (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: QM could effectively intervene chemotherapy induced myelosuppression in patients with colorectal cancer. It was a safe Chinese medicine compound with lower toxicity.

[Dishen Qufeng Decoction for treating allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Dishen Qufeng Decoction (DSQFD), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in treatment of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Sixty cases of allergic rhinitis were selected and randomized into DSQFD group (30 cases) and cetirizine group (30 cases), and the patients were orally administered DSQFD and cetirizine respectively. The integrals of patients' symptoms, such as sneezing, nose running, nasal occlusion and nasal itching, signs in the nasal conchae and peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) count were abserved count before and after treatment. RESULTS: DSQFD obviously improved the symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis. The total response rate of DSQFD treatment was 83.3%, while that of the cetirizine treatment was 86.7%; the EOS counts in both groups were significantly decreased. These results showed statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: DSQFD is an effective preparation of traditional Chinese medicine for treating allergic rhinitis.

[Effects of serum containing Yiqi Xiaoji Recipe on cell line NKN-28 of gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of serum containing Yiqi Xiaoji Recipe (YQXJR), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine for benefiting qi and removing stagnation, on cell line NKN-28 of gastric cancer. METHODS: The experimental SD rats were taken as the provider of the animal serum, and the serum was inactivated before the experiment. The serum was divided into high-dose, medium-dose, low-dose and blank serum groups based on whether the rats were given YQXJR and administration dosage. The inhibition rate was regarded as the observational index. RESULTS: The four groups of serum all had inhibitory effect on the growth of NKN-28 cells depending on the drug concentration. And there were significant differences among the experimental groups. High-dose, medium-dose and low-dose concentrations of serum all could inhibit the growth of NKN-28 cells with positive relations with the concentration and function time. CONCLUSION: YQXJR serum can inhibit the growth of NKN-28 cells depending on the drug concentration and function time.

[Clinical research of intraperitoneal chemotherapy plus Shenmai Injection in treating advanced colorectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) plus Shenmai Injection (SMI) in treating advanced colorectal cancer following radical resections. METHODS: Fifty-eight cases of colorectal cancer in stage B2 and C following radical resections were divided into two groups: SMI+IPC group (36 cases) and IPC group (22 cases). In the SMI+IPC group, IPC (5-fluorouracil combined with cisplatin) plus SMI was administered, while in the IPC group, only IPC was administered. Clinical symptoms, quality of life (Karnofsky score), white blood cell counts, natural killer cells and CD4/CD8 were observed, and disease-free survival (DFS) rate was also evaluated. RESULTS: The total short-term response rate was 83.33% in the SMI+IPC group, significantly higher than 63.64% in the IPC group (P<0.05). The data of clinical symptoms, quality of life, white blood cell counts, natural killer cells and CD4/CD8 in the SMI+IPC group were also significantly improved as compared with those in the IPC group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the SMI+IPC group, 1-, 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 91.7% (33/36), 77.8% (28/36) and 72.2% (26/36) respectively, and those in the IPC group were 90.9% (20/22), 72.7% (16/22) and 45.5% (10/22) respectively. The 5-year DFS rate was significantly improved in the SMI+IPC group as compared with that in the IPC group (P<0.05), while the 1-year and 3-year DFS rates had no significant difference between these two groups. CONCLUSION: IPC plus SMI is effective in treating post-operative patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

[Effect of Baisuifang Granule on cognitive malfunction after cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Baisuifang Granule in treating cognitive malfunction after cerebral infarction. METHODS: One hundred and sixty patients with cerebral infarction were divided randomly into two groups. Eighty patients were treated with Baisuifang Granule and 80 with nimodipine for two months. Clinical observation and laboratory examinations were performed for Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), clinical symptoms, Chinese Stroke Scale (CSS), hemorrheological indexes and fibrinogen before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Baisuifang Granule could improve MMSE, reduce the scores of clinical symptoms and CSS, and meliorate the blood rheology. The total effective rate for clinical symptoms in the Baisuifang treated group accounted to 76.25%, with statistical difference comparing to 58.75% of nimodipine treated group (P<0.05). There was significant difference in symptom integral, CSS and whole blood viscosity at the high shear rate, respectively (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Baisuifang Granule is an effective Chinese medicine for treating cognitive malfunction after cerebral infarction.