Traditional Japanese (Kampo) Medicine for Cancer Supportive Care: A Case Series From a Tertiary General Hospital

ABSTRACT Aim Kampo medicines, regulated as high‐quality pharmaceuticals in Japan, are widely used in cancer supportive care. Methods This study presents a retrospective case series of 55 cancer patients treated with Kampo formulas at a cancer support clinic in a tertiary care hospital. Results The most frequently treated symptoms were peripheral neuropathy ( n = 23), pain ( n = 12), fatigue ( n = 10), and anorexia ( n = 8). Frequently prescribed Kampo formulas included goshajinkigan, rikkunshito, ninjin'yoeito, and hochuekkito. Subjective improvement was observed in approximately 52% of patients with peripheral neuropathy and 58% of those with pain. Conclusion These findings suggest that Kampo medicine may be a useful option for managing multiple symptoms in cancer supportive care.