Scabrous patrinia root inhibits circulating tumor cells in differentiated thyroid carcinoma - a clinical observation ⁎

Abstract

Abstract Objective To observe the clinical inhibition of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) by the extract of scabrous patrinia root (Huikangling). Methods Eighty-seven DTC patients tested positive for CTCs were randomly divided into two groups; all patients were treated with oral levothyroxine sodium in accordance with the DTC endocrine inhibition treatment criteria. Patients (n = 45) in the treatment group were provided the standard endocrine therapy along with oral Huikangling (0.4 g/tablet, 0.4 g × 3 / time, 3 times / day, 12 weeks). Patients (n = 42) in the control group were only provided the standard therapy. After 4 and 12 weeks, CTCs in the blood were detected by flow cytometry. Results After 4 weeks of oral Huikangling treatment, CTCs were detected in 18 (40%) and 29 (69%) patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 8.49, P < 0.05). After 12 weeks, CTCs were detected in 7 (15.6%) and 17 (44.7%) patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.68, P < 0.05). Follow-up evaluation revealed two patients with lung metastasis and one patient with bone metastasis in the control group; one patient showed lateral neck lymph node metastasis without local recurrence in the treatment group. Conclusion Huikangling treatment reduces the number of CTC-positive DTC cases; however, further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.