Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Xihuang Pills/capsules in adjuvant treatment of uterine cervical neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Xihuang Pills/Capsules have a longstanding history of utilization in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating cancer. Nevertheless, a comprehensive investigation is required regarding the specific impacts and safety of Xihuang Pills/Capsules in individuals with uterine cervical neoplasms. Thus, conducting a meta-analysis is essential to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of combining Xihuang Pills/Capsules with Western medicine in patients with cervical neoplasms. Methods: The research involved searching 5 English and 4 Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of Xihuang Pills/Capsules in conjunction with Western medicine for treating uterine cervical neoplasms. Subsequently, statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager software (version 5.3). Results: This research encompassed 10 RCTs involving 937 patients. The findings revealed that the combination of Xihuang Pills/Capsules with Western medicine treatment led to improvements in various aspects of the patients' condition. Specifically, there was an enhancement in the short-term efficacy rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.22, P =.0003), Karnofsky performance score (KPS) (mean difference [MD] = 5.90, 95% CI: 0.54-11.26, P =.03), survival rates, CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD3 + CD8+, CD3-CD56 + cells, and immunoglobulin M in patients with uterine cervical neoplasms. Moreover, the combination treatment resulted in a reduction of adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal reactions (RR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.42-0.64, P