A pilot randomized placebo-controlled study on modified MaZiRenWan: a formulated Chinese medicine to relieve constipation for palliative cancer patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Constipation is a common problem among advanced cancer patients; however, many of them find limited effective from current therapies. Thus, we aimed to test the effect of a traditional Chinese herbal formula, modified MaZiRenWan (MZRW), by comparing with placebo among palliative cancer patients with constipation.

Methods

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants aged over 18 were recruited and randomized to MZRW or placebo group in addition to current prescriptions (including ongoing laxatives treatment) for two weeks. Exclusion criteria included cognitive impairment, presence of a colostomy or gastrointestinal obstruction and estimated life expectancy of less than one month. Individualized modification of MZRW was allowed accordin

SUBMITTER: Cheng CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8889635 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature