Integrative therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer using Kampo and western medicine: A case report

A 45-year-old male patient diagnosed as stage IVa pancreatic cancer received anti-cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During the treatment, he complained of nausea, appetite loss, and fatigue. He received a Kampo diagnosis of qi deficiency, blood stasis, and heat with phlegm; consequently, qi supplementation, smoothing blood, and relieving fever were initiated using Juzentaihoto and Keppuchikuoto. After this treatment, the symptoms showed remarkable improvement. However, computed tomography revealed multiple lung nodules. We prescribed crude drugs with anti-cancer effects, including Scutellaria barbata and Oldenlandia diffusa. These drugs led to slowed development of lung metastases that could be surgically resected. He survived for 7 years after the advanced diagnosis without loss of quality of life. Kampo medicine may be useful for disease control and supportive care in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

Keywords: Integrative therapy; Kampo medicine; Pancreatic cancer; Quality of life.