International Journal of Radiation Research

en Value of ultrasound-guided XiaKuCao cervical lymph node treatment Radiation Biology Radiation Biology تحقيق بديع Original Research <div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Cervical lymphadenopathy presents clinical challenges due to recurrence risk and limited efficacy of conventional approaches. Integrative therapies combining herbal medicine and ultrasound-guided interventions may enhance treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this controlled trial, 120 patients with cervical lymph node disease were divided into two groups according to the actual treatment methods: received XiaKuCao ointment with ultrasound-guided interventional puncture (n=60) or puncture alone (n=60). Primary outcomes included lymph node regression, pain relief, and immunological changes over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes assessed recurrence, adherence, and safety. Results: The combination group achieved greater lymph node diameter reduction (68.3 ± 5.2% vs. 42.1 ± 6.8%, p<0.001) and faster pain relief (VAS decrease 6.2 ± 1.1 vs. 3.8 ± 1.3, p=0.002). Immunological improvements were significant, with elevated CD4+ counts (842 ± 156 vs. 635 ± 142 cells/μL, p=0.003) and improved CD4/CD8 ratios (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3, p=0.001). Inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP) declined more in the combination group (all p<0.01). Recurrence at 6 months was lower (8.3% vs. 14.2%, p=0.04) with higher adherence (92.4% vs. 84.7%, p=0.03). Adverse events were mild and comparable between groups (11.7% vs. 9.8%, p=0.65). Conclusion: XiaKuCao ointment combined with ultrasound-guided puncture enhanced clinical, immunological, and inflammatory outcomes without increasing adverse events. This integrative approach holds promise for cervical lymph node management and warrants confirmation in larger multicentre trials.</div> Lymph nodes, cervical lymphadenopathy, ultrasonography, interventional, randomized controlled trials, herbal medicine, lymph node. 309 316 http://ijrr.com/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1-1495&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Y. Tan Tanyal7518@hotmail.com 7900319475328460033376 7900319475328460033376 Yes Ultrasand Imaging Department of the Third People’s Hospital of Yichang City, No.23, Gangyao Road, Xiling District, Yichang 443200, Hubei Province, China C. Wang 7900319475328460033377 7900319475328460033377 No Vice president of the Third People’s Hospital of Yichang City, No.23, Gangyao Road, Xiling District, Yichang 443200, Hubei Province, China Q. Ming 7900319475328460033378 7900319475328460033378 No Hepatopathy Department of the Third People’s Hospital of Yichang City, No.23, Gangyao Road, Xiling District, Yichang 443200, Hubei Province, China X. Wang 7900319475328460033379 7900319475328460033379 No Pulmonary Disease of the Third People’s Hospital of Yichang City, No.23, Gangyao Road, Xiling District, Yichang 443200, Hubei Province, China