Traditional Chinese medicine for bone metastasis of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Breast cancer incidence is increasing, and bone metastases in terminal breast cancer cause considerable patient suffering. Many researchers have reported that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) benefits breast cancer patients with bone metastasis. However, no conclusive evidence can be proved for its effects. This paper assesses the effects of TCM on bone metastasis of breast cancer. Databases were searched independently for randomized controlled trials about TCM for bone metastasis of breast cancer by two reviewers. The effective rate was assessed as the primary outcome. Patient's condition and adverse events were assessed as secondary outcomes. Thirteen articles were included in our meta-analysis. The results showed that TCM is effective for treating bone metastasis of breast cancer (RR (Risk ratio) = 1.10, 95% CI (Confidence interval) (1.04, 1.16), p < 0.05). TCM can improve metastasis to the bone in breast cancer (RR = 1.52, 95% CI (1.33, 1.74), p < 0.05). TCM also relieved pain in patients with bone metastasis of breast cancer (RR = 1.41, 95% CI (1.22, 1.63), p < 0.05). Six studies reported adverse events (RR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.28, 0.62), p < 0.05). This shows that adjuvant treatment with TCM can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. TCM treatment is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for bone metastasis in breast cancer patients.