Objective: To discuss the effect of Shiyiwei Shenqi capsules combined with thermal Moxibustion therapy for patients (syndrome of both qi and blood deficiency) with rectal cancer surgery and the influence on levels of serum matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2)

vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). Method: Ninety-eight patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group by random number table. After operation

patients in control group took CapeOX for chemotherapy and western medicine routine nursing. In addition to the therapy of control group

patients in observation group additionally were provided with Shiyiwei Shenqi capsules combined with thermal moxibustion therapy

and given traditional Chinese medicine dietary conditioning and emotional nursing. Courses of treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment

scores of Qi-blood deficiency were evaluated. Adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy were recorded

quality of life was evaluated

and levels of neoplasm T-lymphocyte

natural killer cell (NK)

MMP-2

COX2 and VEGF were detected. Result: The total effective rate of solid tumors in observation group was 97.8%

which was higher than 82.93% in control group (P < 0.05). Incidence of such adverse reactions as leukocytopenia

thrombocytopenia

gastrointestinal reaction and liver and renal toxicity in observation group were lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). And scores of nausea and vomiting

pain and fatigue in observation group were lower than those in control group (P < 0.01). Scores of physical performance

role function

emotional functioning

social function and recognizing ability were all higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). Levels of CD3+

CD4+ and NK in observation group were higher than those in control group (P < 0.01)

levels of CD8+

MMP-2

VEGF and COX2 in observation group were lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). After treatment

score of both Qi and blood deficiency in observation group were lower than those in control group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Shiyiwei Shenqi capsules combined with thermal Moxibustion therapy can ameliorate symptoms

reduce side effects of chemotherapy

improve quality of life and mmunologic function

and prevent neoplasm metastasis

with obvious short-term effects.