Pak J Pharm Sci. 2026 Dec 1;39(12):3898-3906. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.12.357.1.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer often leads to intestinal dysbiosis and immune suppression. Traditional Chinese medicine shows potential in regulating gut microbiota and enhancing immune function, offering a promising adjunctive therapeutic strategy.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of a traditional Chinese medicine compound on the recovery of intestinal bifidobacteria and CD4+ T-cell activation in breast cancer patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy.
METHODS: Female patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were randomly assigned to a control group (triamcinolone tablets) and an observation group (control treatment plus kidney-tonifying and compound traditional Chinese medicine soup). Intestinal flora and immune indices were measured and analyzed using SPSS 22.0.
RESULTS: After chemotherapy, the observation group showed significant increases in bifidobacteria to 9.01±1.49 lg (CFU/g) and in CD4+ T-cell counts to 969/μL. The expression levels of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells and the differences in S2, nm23 and Her-2 indices were significant between the groups, with the observation group showing greater CD4+ T cell activation. The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the observation group (P-values: 0.002, 0.006 and 0.030). The observation group also demonstrated better control of gastrointestinal conditions and disease progression (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The traditional Chinese medicine compound effectively maintained intestinal flora balance, promoted beneficial bacterial growth, reduced adverse reactions and offered better therapeutic prospects for breast cancer patients.
PMID:42770625 | DOI:10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.12.357.1
