Oral administration of herbal medicines for radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients: Protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionRadiation pneumonitis is a common and serious complication of radiotherapy. Many published, randomised controlled studies reveal a growing trend utilizing herbal medicines as an adjuvant therapy to prevent radiation pneumonitis; however, its efficacy and safety remains unexplored. The goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines as an adjunctive therapy to prevent radiation pneumonitis in patients receiving radiotherapy for lung cancer. Methods and analysisThe following databases will be utilized in this study; three English medical databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)), five Korean Medical Databases (Korean Studies Information, Research information Service System, KoreaMed, DBPIA, National Digital Science Library) and three Chinese Medical Databases (the China National Knowledge Database (CNKI), Journal Integration Platform (VIP), and WanFang Database). Two independent reviewers will screen the searched studies, determine suitability for inclusion and perform data extraction. When appropriate, the data will be pooled across studies for meta-analysis using a fixed or random effects model. When quantitative synthesis is not appropriate, the evidence will be summarized qualitatively. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. ResultsResults will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated electronically and in print. This study will also be presented at a relevant conference. Clinicians and patients may find this review useful in making decisions regarding the use of herbal medicines for patients undergoing lung cancer radiotherapy.Trial registration number: PROSPERO CRD 42016048066.