Retrospective Analysis of Kampo Medicine's Role in Mitigating Endocrine Therapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Investigation - Report - MDSpire

Retrospective Analysis of Kampo Medicine's Role in Mitigating Endocrine Therapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Investigation

  • By

  • Shin Takayama

  • Atsuhiko Furuta

  • Haruhiko Shindo

  • Ryutaro Arita

  • Kaolu Sato

  • Tadashi Ishii

  • February 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Kampo Medicine's Role in Mitigating Endocrine Therapy Side Effects

Overview

Expand on the specific side effects of endocrine therapy that Kampo medicines target.

Background

Discuss the limitations of existing treatments for menopause-like symptoms in more detail.

Data Highlights

ParameterResults
Patients Enrolled53
Median Age54
Symptom Relief (NRS ≤ 3)75% after 6 months
Most Prescribed Kampo MedicineKBG/KBGY (41.5%)
Hazard Ratio for KBG/KBGY4.18 (95% CI 1.03–16.92; p = 0.046)

Key Findings

  • 75% of patients reported significant symptom relief after 6 months of Kampo treatment.
  • KBG/KBGY was the most frequently prescribed Kampo medicine, associated with faster symptom improvement.
  • Vasomotor, motor/sensory, and psychiatric symptoms comprised 90% of complaints among patients.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed KBG/KBGY's significant role in alleviating symptoms (p = 0.046).
  • Patients receiving KBG/KBGY experienced a statistically significant improvement in overall symptoms compared to those on other Kampo medicines (p = 0.022).

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that Kampo medicines, particularly KBG and KBGY, can be effective in managing side effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients. Clinicians may consider integrating Kampo treatments into supportive care plans to enhance patient quality of life and facilitate return to work.

Conclusion

Highlight the necessity for further research to confirm the efficacy of Kampo medicines.

References

  1. Braybrooke et al, The Lancet, 2025 -- Endocrine Therapy With Aromatase Inhibitor for Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer
  2. Valenza et al, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2026 -- Extended Endocrine Therapy in Premenopausal Patients With Node-Positive, Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
  3. NCCN Guidelines® Insights, 2025 -- Survivorship, Version 2.2025
  4. Acupuncture for Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer: An Umbrella Review, PMC, 2023
  5. The ASCO Post — Extended Endocrine Therapy in Premenopausal Patients With Node-Positive, Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
  6. The ASCO Post — Extended Endocrine Therapy in Premenopausal Patients With Node-Positive, Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
  7. NCCN Survivorship Guidelines
  8. Comprehensive analysis of kampo medicine utilization
  9. Acupuncture for Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer: An Umbrella Review - PMC

Original Source(s)

Retrospective Analysis of Kampo Medicine's Role in Mitigating Endocrine Therapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Investigation

  • by Shin Takayama, Atsuhiko Furuta, Haruhiko Shindo, Ryutaro Arita, Kaolu Sato, Tadashi Ishii

  • February 26, 2026

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