Dr. Tsai Yun-Ning from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department.
Lung cancer is a major health concern both in Taiwan and globally. With advances in medical technology, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy have become the mainstay treatments in Western medicine. However, while these therapies are effective in combating cancer cells, they also place considerable strain on the patient’s body.
Chemotherapy may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and immune suppression. Radiotherapy often results in fatigue and localized skin burns. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapies offer greater precision, their adverse effects remain significant concerns.
Throughout the prolonged treatment process, many patients not only battle the disease itself but also endure treatment-related side effects and considerable psychological stress.
Integrating Western and Chinese Medicine in Lung Cancer Treatment: Numerous Benefits
Integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into Western treatments offers numerous benefits for patients with lung cancer. When combined with conventional therapies, TCM has been shown to significantly enhance patients’ recovery. Based on the principle of “strengthening the body’s resistance and eliminating pathogenic factors,” TCM supports vitality, regulates immune function, and helps ease the side effects associated with Western treatments. For example, herbal formulas containing dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi) and fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) are effective in relieving nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Likewise, fatigue and dry skin resulting from immunotherapy can be alleviated through TCM approaches that tonify Qi and nourish Yin using targeted herbal prescriptions. Moreover, emerging research indicates that TCM may possess tumor-inhibitory properties, further contributing to improved treatment outcomes. This synergistic “1+1 greater than 2” effect has made the integration of Chinese and Western medicine an increasingly attractive option for many lung cancer patients.
How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat Lung Cancer?
In our hospital, two main methods are used for treating lung cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): decoction (water-boiled herbs) and scientific Chinese medicine.
1. Decoction (Water-Boiled Herbs)
Decoction is a traditional form of TCM treatment where the physician selects a combination of herbal ingredients based on the patient's constitution and condition, and then boils them to create a liquid medicinal solution. This approach allows for targeted treatment to balance the patient’s body and enhance healing.
2. Scientific Chinese Medicine
Scientific Chinese medicine is a modern advancement in TCM, where herbs are extracted and concentrated into powder form. This method makes it easier for patients to take while ensuring the stability of the herbal efficacy.
Both treatment methods offer distinct advantages in clinical applications, and are used flexibly based on the individual needs of the patient.
Common Questions from Patients About Integrating Western and Chinese Medicine
While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown significant value in treating lung cancer, many patients still have concerns about using Chinese herbs. Common questions include:
1. Will Chinese medicine affect the effectiveness of Western medicine?
2. Do I need to take Chinese medicine long-term?
3. How is the safety of Chinese medicine ensured?
In response to these concerns, doctors provide detailed explanations:
• Compatibility with Western Medicine: Most Chinese herbal remedies, when evaluated and combined by professional physicians, do not conflict with Western treatments. On the contrary, they can work synergistically to enhance treatment outcomes.
• Duration of Use: The duration of Chinese herbal treatment is adjusted dynamically based on the patient’s recovery status, and is not fixed for the entire treatment course.
• Ensuring Safety: With the advancement of Chinese medicine quality control, certified herbal products undergo strict testing during production, ensuring their safety and efficacy.
By addressing these concerns, the goal is to help more patients feel confident in trying TCM treatments and benefiting from their potential in combination with Western medicine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of Western and Chinese medicine in lung cancer treatment not only provides more comprehensive support for patients but also offers new possibilities for enhancing treatment outcomes. Through this article, we hope to encourage more lung cancer patients to explore and try Chinese medicine treatments, aiming to achieve better health and an improved quality of life.