Case Report of a Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patient with Cytotoxic Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia Treated with Korean Medicine

Objectives: To report a case of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia that improved following Korean medicine treatment.Methods: After developing neutropenia following the first cycle of cytotoxic chemotherapy, a patient with NSCLC received Korean medicine treatment including herbal medicine (<i>Ikgibohyeol-tang</i>) and acupuncture. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, changes in ANC levels and G-CSF dosage were assessed along with tumor response via computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and symptom changes using the FACT-L questionnaire.Results: After treatment, the patient showed improvement in the severity grade of neutropenia and lower G-CSF usage. The tumor size reduced, and the FACT-L score improved slightly.Conclusion: This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment may serve as a supportive therapy for managing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in cancer patients.