This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates efficacy of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in patients with moderate to severe cancer pain. Four databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang Data, were searched from inception through 2024 August 8th. We selected randomized controlled trials that studied patients with moderate to severe cancer pain and compared plus Opioids versus Opioids alone. Outcomes were incidence of pain relief and pain intensity. Risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate treatment effects. A total of 8 RCT with 448 patients in Xuefu Zhuyu decoction group and 446 patients in opioid group were included. Compared with opioid group, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction group had a higher incidence of pain relief (RR = 1,27; 95%CI = 1,17 to 1,39; p < 0,001) and lower pain intensity (SMD = -1,28; 95%CI = -2,13 to -0,42; p < 0,001). Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in combination with Opioids improved pain relief in patients with moderate to severe cancer pain compared to Opioids alone.
Keywords: Xuefu zhuyu decoction, traditional medicine, cancer pain, meta-analysis.