A Case Report of Improvement of Docetaxel-induced Fluid Retention in a Patient with Advanced Gastric Cancer using Herbal Decoction, Modified Bangkihwangki-tang

Objectives: A 54-year-old advanced gastric cancer patient developed severe fluid retention after docetaxel chemotherapy, at cumulative dose of $930mg/m^2$, with no improvement using diuretics or prophylactic glucocorticoids. Consequently, he changed chemotherapy regimen from docetaxel to paclitaxel. After he treated with herbal decoction Bangkihwangki-tang (BHT), which is widely used to treat several symptoms including edema in traditional Korean medicine, docetaxel-induced fluid retention (DIFR) was significantly improved along with associated symptoms, such as peripheral edema, pleural and pericardial effusion, pain, scleroderma, and hypoesthesia. As the symptoms were relieved, his performance status and ambulatory ability were improved. During herbal treatment, he continued chemotherapy without any problems and didn't show any adverse events related to herbal medicine. Although there is possibility of natural improvement progress after withdrawal of docetaxel, he showed shorter recovery period and significant improvement despite of severity of initial symptoms.