A Prospective, Controlled Study of the Botanical Compound Mixture LCS101 for Chemotherapy-Induced Hematological Complications in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background. This prospective, controlled study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the mixture of botanical compounds known as LCS101 in preventing chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity in breast cancer patients.Methods. Female patients diagnosed with localized breast cancer were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either LCS101 or placebo capsules, in addition to conventional chemotherapy. The study intervention was initiated 2 weeks prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and continued until chemotherapy was completed, with participants receiving 2 g of LCS101 capsules thrice daily. Subjects were assessed for the development of hematological and nonhematological toxicities, as well as the tolerability and safety of the study intervention.Results. Sixty-five breast cancer patients were recruited, with 34 allocated to LCS101 and 31 allocated to

Letter to the Editor Regarding “A Prospective, Controlled Study of the Botanical Compound Mixture LCS101 for Chemotherapy-Induced Hematological Complications in Breast Cancer” by Yaal-Hahoshen et al. ( The Oncologist 2011;16:1197–1202)

“…In conclusion, Yaal-Hahoshen et al [1] claimed that the addition of LCS101 to conventional chemotherapy is safe and feasible in patients with early breast cancer. However, their study lacks essential information regarding the hematoprotective mechanism of action of LCS101, potential PK interactions with chemotherapy, and the PD effects of LCS101 on the tumor.…”

“…Based on the results of a prospective, randomized, placebocontrolled study of Yaal-Hahoshen et al, [1] the authors concluded that the botanical mixture LCS101 prevented hematological complications in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-and taxane-based chemotherapy. They also concluded that the addition of LCS101 to conventional chemotherapy regimens "is both safe and feasible in patients with early breast cancer, .…”

“…Yaal-Hahoshen et al [1] primarily determined hematological parameters by counting erythrocytes, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and thrombocytes in the peripheral blood. These parameters only secondarily reflect bone marrow function.…”

“…For example, the production of erythoid progenitor cells has been stimulated by Ophiopogon japonicus in mice [3], and in patients with chronic aplastic anemia hematopoietic recovery has been promoted by Astralagus membranaceus [4]. As Yaal-Hahoshen et al [1] reported, it is still unclear what the implications of these activities are for chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity. Additionally, it is unknown whether the components may interact synergistically or additively with each other, which complicates predicting the effect of LCS101 on hematopoietic function.…”

“…The statement from Yaal-Hahoshen et al [1] that the addition of LCS101 to conventional chemotherapy is safe and feasible implies that the antitumor effect of chemotherapy is not negatively affected by LCS101. However, their study did not evaluate the possible PD effects of LCS101 on the tumor.…”