THE USE OF A STANDARDIZED CHINESE HERBS (CH) FORMULA IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED LUNG CANCER: A FEASIBILITY STUDY
Objective: Increasing numbers of cancer patients are using CH. However, the heterogeneity of CH used and the outcomes reported, make it challenging to draw firm conclusions about the clinical usefulness of CH. 
The primary objective is to establish if taking a specific standardized CH formula at the recommended dosage, was acceptable for patients. The secondary objective is to determine if there were any indications of toxicity. Finally, quality of life are measured in each patient.
Methods: A single-arm, prospective study of a 6-week intervention with a selected CH formula in patients with stage 4 NSCLC.
Results: We found that advanced lung cancer patients in this study were interested in using the CH formula.  Completion (93%) and adherence (98%) levels were very high and most patients perceived the CH treatment as easy to take and were willing to take the CH used in the study again if it was available. About half the patients reported adverse events (AEs), all of which were mild (Grade 1, 2) and only a small minority (8%) were potentially related to CH. No biochemical or hematological evidence of toxicity was observed. Overall, there was improvement in quality of life, specifically tiredness, sleepiness, well-being and the composite trial-outcome index. 
Conclusion: This small study provides preliminary evidence that short-term use of a carefully selected and prepared CH formula in patients with metastatic lung cancer is acceptable and safe.

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