Efficacy of Kangfuxin Solution Combined with IL-11 Gargle on Acute Radiation Esophagitis in Athletes Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Sports Medicine Perspective

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Kangfuxin solution combined with IL-11 gargle in treating acute radiation esophagitis (ARIE) in athletes undergoing radiotherapy for thoracic cancers. Method: From January 2019 to December 2021, 150 patients with unresectable lung and esophageal cancer were randomized into two groups: a test group and a control group, with 75 patients each. Athletes in the test group received oral care with alternating Kangfuxin solution and IL-11, while the control group received only Kangfuxin solution. The therapeutic efficacy, onset time of relief, and severity of ARIE were monitored and compared between the groups. Results: The combined treatment group (Kangfuxin solution and IL-11) showed a total cure rate of 31% and an effective rate of 91%, significantly higher than the 17% cure rate and 73% effective rate in the Kangfuxin-only group (P < 0.05). Symptom relief occurred faster in the test group (1.54±0.73 days post-therapy) compared to the control group (3.15±0.65 days). Additionally, the incidence of severe radiation esophagitis (grade 3) was reduced to 0% in the test group, compared to 28% in the control group, with a notable increase in grade 0 occurrences (31% vs. 0% in the control group; P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of Kangfuxin solution combined with IL-11 significantly enhances the treatment of acute radiation esophagitis in athletes, offering quicker symptom relief and reducing the severity of side effects associated with radiotherapy. This approach not only improves the quality of life but also supports the athletic performance and recovery of patients undergoing cancer treatment, underscoring the importance of integrating specialized oral care regimens in sports medicine oncology protocols.