Chinese authors have reviewed the evidence for use of Chinese herbal medicines as adjunctive treatment during chemo- and radiotherapy for cancer. They cover preclinical and clinical studies which have shown that Chinese herbal medicines can suppress tumour progression, increase the activity of chemo- and radio-therapeutics, improve immune function, and lessen damage caused by chemo- and radio- therapy. Clinical trials of Chinese herbal medicines as an adjunctive therapy during cancer treatment are also reviewed. By reducing side effects and complications during chemo- and radio- therapy, Chinese herbal medicines have a significant effect on reducing cancer-related fatigue and pain, improving respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal side effects, protecting liver function, and ameliorating the symptoms of cachexia.

Chinese herbal medicines as adjuvant treatment during chemo- or radio-therapy for cancer. Biosci Trends. 2010 Dec;4(6):297-307).