To explore the therapeutic effect of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction on oxaliplatin-related peripheral neurotoxicity in patients with colorectal cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

A total of 42 colorectal cancer patients who received mFOLFOX6 adjuvant chemotherapy in a hospital from March 2022 to December 2024 were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups (n=21 each). The control group was treated with chemotherapy alone, while the experimental group received Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction for 4 cycles concurrently with chemotherapy. The CTCAE V4.0 standard was used to evaluate oxaliplatin-related peripheral neurotoxicity, and the primary study endpoint was the incidence of grade 3 and above peripheral neurotoxicity.

The incidences of grade 3 or higher peripheral paresthesia in the experimental group and the control group were 23.8% vs. 57.1% (P=0.03). The incidences of grade 3 and above peripheral sensory neuropathy were 19.1% vs. 47.6% (P=0.04), with statistically significant differences observed between the two groups.

Taking Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction simultaneously during chemotherapy can effectively prevent and treat oxaliplatin-induced peripheral paresthesia and peripheral sensory neuropathy.