Jinlong capsule decreases adverse reactions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze whether Jinlong capsule could decrease adverse reac-tions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocel ular carcinoma. Methods Eighty-two patients with hepatocel ular carcinoma were randomly divided into the control group and experimental group. On the first day after TACE, the experimental group started receiving four Jinlong capsules oral y three times daily, whereas the control group did not receive the treatment. Results The incidences of erythropenia and thrombocytopenia in the experimental group was lower than those in the control group (P = 0.040 and 0.033, respectively). The dif erences in serum levels of amino-transferase, albumin, potassium, and sodium between the two groups were significant (P = 0.034, 0.034, 0.013, and 0.044, respectively). The mean durations of stomachache and abdominal distension in the experimental group was significantly shorter than those in the control group (P = 0.004 and 0.021, respec-tively). However, there were no significant dif erences in the incidences of nausea, fever, and vomiting between the two groups (P = 0.490, 0.495, and 0.585, respectively). Conclusion The reduction in the incidence rate and duration of partial adverse reactions after TACE was observed in hepatocel ular carcinoma patients treated with Jinlong capsule compared to untreated patients, suggesting possible beneficial ef ects exerted by Jinlong capsule on the reduction of TACE-induced liver damage, thereby improving liver function and, consequently, the quality of life.