Objective: To observe the synergy and attenuation effect of Sanshen Diyu decoction as well as its effects on quality of life and lymph node metastasis in patients with radiotherapy for nasopharynx cancer. Method: One hundred and twenty patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group by random number table according to their admission sequence. Patients in control group received intensity modulated radiation therapy and Glutathione Sodium for injection. Based on the treatment of control group

patients in observation group also received Sanshen Diyu decoction. The treatment was lasted until two weeks after radiotherapy in both groups. Acute radiotherapy reactions were recorded. Before and after treatment

quality of life was evaluated by European cancer patient as well as head and neck cancer specific scale (EORTC QLQ-H&N35). Size of solid tumor was evaluated before and after treatment. Levels of epstein-barr virus NDA (EBV-DNA)

vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

bone alkaline phosphates (B-ALP) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were detected both before and after treatment. Result: The total effective rate was 83.93% in observation group

higher than 67.27% in control group (P<0.05). Scores of acute radiotherapy reactions of mouth mucosa

ear

salivary gland

pharynx

esophagus and throat in observation group were lower than those in control group after radiotherapy (P<0.01). Scores of pain and other six symptoms by QLQ-H&N35 scale and 9 monosymptomatic scores including difficulty in opening mouth in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Levels of EBV-DNA

B-ALP

MMP-2 and VEGF in serum of observation group were lower than those of control group after treatment (P<0.01). Conclusion: As an adjuvant treatment for radiotherapy

Sanshen Diyu decoction can relieve radioactive damages

ameliorate and stabilize quality of life

improve clinical efficacy and prevent tumor metastasis.