The aim of this study is to investigate the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in managing the side effects experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing conventional Western medical treatments, such as blood cell decline, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, and overall quality of life. The study aims to establish a long-term clinical enrollment criteria and process for TCM adjuvant therapy in breast cancer. The research design will utilize a prospective cohort study and real-world cross-sectional observational research method to obtain clinical data and survival status of the patients.
A. Aged 18 years or above.
B. Female patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer and receiving Western medical treatment. The included breast cancer diagnosis codes based on ICD-9 are 174 to 179.
A. Patients with a prior diagnosis of other malignant tumors before being diagnosed with primary breast cancer.
B. Patients with primary breast cancer who have not received Western medical treatment, meaning they have not undergone surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy..
C. After taking Chinese medicine, those who have uncomfortable symptoms or whose behavior affects Western medicine treatment should withdraw from the trial.
Female breast cancer patients diagnosed by oncologists or surgeons at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, who are receiving or have received chemotherapy. Participants will be grouped based on their willingness to receive Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in addition to standard Western medical treatment. All participants are aged 20 years or older and able to complete questionnaire-based assessments.
Cohort
Prospective
Chemotherapy drug
DrugParticipants in the standard care group receive conventional chemotherapy for breast cancer according to clinical guidelines. Treatment includes 8 cycles of chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks. No Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is provided in this group.
Integrative Treatment (Chemotherapy + TCM)
Other interventionParticipants in the integrative care group receive conventional chemotherapy combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Herbal formulas are prescribed by licensed TCM physicians based on syndrome differentiation and are aimed at strengthening vital qi and harmonizing stomach function. Treatment is conducted under Taiwan's National Health Insurance coverage.
FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast)
The FACT-B is a validated questionnaire used to assess quality of life in breast cancer patients. It includes domains such as physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being, and breast cancer-specific concerns.
EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30)
The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a validated, cancer-specific, patient-reported quality of life questionnaire. It consists of 30 items covering five functional domains (physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social), three symptom domains (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting), a global health status/QoL scale, and several single items (e.g., dyspnea, insomnia). It is widely used in cancer clinical trials for measuring changes in quality of life during treatment.
WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF)
The WHOQOL-BREF is a 26-item questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization to assess an individual's perception of their quality of life in four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. It is widely used for evaluating general quality of life in clinical populations.
BCQ (Body Constitution Questionnaire)
The BCQ is a self-reported questionnaire developed based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. It evaluates individual body constitution types, including Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Stasis constitution. The tool is useful in assessing patients' constitutional status and monitoring changes during treatment, especially in integrative TCM studies.
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