What should be paid attention to in the treatment of cancer with traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for cancer should be combined with standardized Western medicine treatment to avoid replacing formal treatment. At the same time, we should be wary of false advertising and excessive reliance on folk remedies. The auxiliary treatment of cancer with traditional Chinese medicine mainly has the effects of strengthening the body and consolidating the foundation, relieving symptoms, and reducing the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, it must be carried out under the guidance of professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and drug interactions and physical reactions must be strictly monitored.

1. Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment cannot replace standardized Western medicine treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Some patients delay the timing of surgery due to their superstitious belief in traditional Chinese medicine, which may lead to tumor progression. Clinical recommendations include using traditional Chinese medicine to improve physical fitness after completing Western medicine treatment, such as using Huangqi injection to assist in enhancing immunity after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but avoiding conflicts with anti-tumor drugs.

II. Dialectical treatment

Cancer patients need to undergo individualized medication based on the combination of traditional Chinese medicine's four diagnostic methods. Lung cancer with Qi Yin deficiency syndrome may require the use of Shengmai Yin, while liver cancer with damp heat and stasis syndrome requires modifications to Yin Chen Hao Tang. The same prescription may worsen the condition for different types of syndromes, such as heat clearing and detoxifying drugs that may damage the yang qi of patients with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold.

III. Drug Safety

Traditional Chinese medicine containing toxic ingredients should strictly control the dosage and course of treatment. Anti cancer traditional Chinese medicines such as toad venom and bufotalin may cause liver and kidney damage, and regular monitoring of liver and kidney function is necessary. Polygonum multiflorum and Tripterygium wilfordii have hepatotoxicity, and their combination with chemotherapy drugs may increase toxicity reactions.

IV. Symptom Management

Traditional Chinese medicine can provide targeted relief for symptoms such as cancer pain and nausea. Moxibustion at Zusanli improves chemotherapy-induced vomiting, while Wuling powder reduces ascites. However, it is important to note that emergencies caused by tumor compression or metastasis still require priority treatment with Western medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion analgesia should avoid the bleeding risk area of patients with thrombocytopenia.

V. Diet conditioning

Tonic Diet should be adjusted according to the constitution and treatment stage. Broth of white fungus soup should be used to nourish yin in patients with yin injury after radiotherapy, while ass hide glue should be avoided in patients after gastrointestinal surgery. Supplements such as Cordyceps sinensis may interfere with the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs, and it is necessary to consult a physician before consumption. During traditional Chinese medicine treatment, cancer patients should maintain a balanced diet, consume moderate amounts of spleen strengthening ingredients such as yam and lily, and avoid spicy and stimulating foods. Maintain moderate exercise such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi, but reduce activity intensity during the bone marrow suppression period. Regularly review tumor markers and imaging examinations, and promptly communicate with traditional Chinese and Western medicine physicians if any abnormalities are found. Pay special attention to the interaction between traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations and targeted drugs. The interval between taking drugs shall be at least 2 hours. Maintain a positive attitude and avoid financial burden and medical delays caused by blindly seeking folk remedies.