Ginseng-containing traditional medicine preparations in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #stomach-neoplasms #panax #antimetabolites #antineoplastic-combined-chemotherapy-protocols

Ginseng-containing traditional medicine preparations in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hu et al., 2023 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hu Jiaqi, Cheng Mengqi, ... Liu Rui. Ginseng-containing traditional medicine preparations in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2023;18(4):e0284398. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0284398

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ginseng-containing traditional medicine preparations (G-TMPs) in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (FBC) are well-known treatments for advanced gastric cancer (AGC), with a superior efficacy to FBC alone. However, evidence regarding their efficacy remains limited. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of G-TMPs in combination with FBC for the treatment of AGC. METHODS: Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using G-TMPs with FBC for the treatment of AGC. The primary outcome included the tumor response, while the secondary outcomes included the quality of life (QoL), proportions of peripheral blood lymphocytes, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and levels of cancer biomarkers. The quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed using GRADE profilers. RESULTS: A total of 1,960 participants were involved in the 26 RCTs included. Patients treated with FBC plus G-TMPs had better objective response (risk ratio [RR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13 to 1.35, p < 0.00001) and disease control (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.19, p < 0.00001) rates than those treated with FBC alone. Additionally, the combination group had a better QoL, higher proportions of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and natural killer cells, as well as a higher CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio. Furthermore, lower levels of CA19-9, CA72-4, and CEA were confirmed in the combination treatment group. In addition, G-TMPs reduced the incidence of ADRs during chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: In combination with FBC, G-TMPs can potentially enhance efficacy, reduce ADRs, and improve prognosis for patients with AGC. However, high-quality randomized studies remain warranted. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Number: CRD42021264938.

Key Findings

A total of 1,960 participants were involved in the 26 RCTs included. Patients treated with FBC plus G-TMPs had better objective response (risk ratio [RR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13 to 1.35, p < 0.00001) and disease control (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.19, p < 0.00001) rates than those treated with FBC alone. Additionally, the combination group had a better QoL, higher proportions of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and natural killer cells, as well as a higher CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population agc
Sample Size 1960
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Stomach Neoplasms
  • Panax
  • Antimetabolites
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Medicine, Traditional

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09