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

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to analyze whether Jinlong capsule could decrease adverse reactions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Eighty-two patients with hepatocellular 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 orally 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 differences in serum levels of aminotransferase, 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, respectively). However, there were no significant differences 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 hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with Jinlong capsule compared to untreated patients, suggesting possible beneficial effects exerted by Jinlong capsule on the reduction of TACE-induced liver damage, thereby improving liver function and, consequently, the quality of life.