Chinese Herbal Medicine to Alleviate Vasomotor Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Study Protocol for a Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Multi Centre, Cross Over Trial | BIomedgrid

Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS) have been documented as one of the most common and distressing side-effects after breast cancer treatment. Currently there is no standard conventional medical treatment. VMS, which include hot flushes and night sweats, can be the result of: a) treatmentschemotherapy, ovarian ablation, ovarian suppression and/or endocrine therapy with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors; b) menopause occurring naturally with a breast cancer diagnosis; and/or c) menopause symptoms occurring after cessation of hormone replacement therapy upon breast cancer diagnosis. There is promising evidence of the use of a Chinese herbal medicine formula, Shu-Gan-Liang-Xue Decoction (SGLXD), developed by one author, PPL, for VMS in breast cancer survivors prescribed tamoxifen in China. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether SGLXD is an effective and safe treatment option for reducing VMS and improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors in Australia.