CTCM Oncology is a specialized field that integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern cancer treatment, providing supportive care, symptom relief, and holistic conditioning for cancer patients. Below is an overview of its key aspects:

Core Treatment Principles

1. Strengthening the Body and Eliminating Pathogens
   • Strengthening (扶正, “Fu Zheng”): Boosts immunity and restores balance in Qi, blood, yin, and yang (e.g., using herbs like astragalus (黃芪) and reishi mushroom (靈芝)).
   • Eliminating Pathogens (祛邪, “Qu Xie”): Inhibits tumor growth (e.g., with anti-cancer herbs like Oldenlandia (白花蛇舌草) and Scutellaria barbata (半枝蓮)).
2. Holistic Regulation
   Focuses on the patient’s overall condition (digestion, sleep, emotional state) rather than just the tumor, improving quality of life.
3. Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy
   Alleviates side effects of Western treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) such as nausea and bone marrow suppression while improving therapeutic outcomes.

Main Treatment Methods

1. Herbal Medicine
   • Customized prescriptions based on body constitution and disease progression (e.g., formulas for replenishing Qi and blood, promoting blood circulation, or resolving phlegm and masses).
   • Examples: Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (十全大補湯) (for post-chemotherapy weakness), Xi Huang Wan (西黃丸) (for detoxification).
2. Acupuncture and External Therapies
   • Acupuncture for pain, nausea, or fatigue relief; moxibustion for Qi deficiency.
   • Topical herbal applications (e.g., for edema or pain).
3. Dietary Therapy
   Food recommendations based on constitution (e.g., lily bulbs for lung nourishment, coix seed for spleen health, avoiding overly spicy foods).
4. Qigong and Mind-Body Therapies
   Practices like Baduanjin (八段錦) and Tai Chi (太極拳) to regulate physical and mental health, reducing anxiety.

Applicable Stages and Efficacy

• Adjuvant to Western Treatment: Reduces side effects of surgery/chemotherapy/radiotherapy and speeds up recovery.
• Palliative Care for Advanced Cancer: Manages pain, cachexia, and prolongs survival.
• Preventing Recurrence: Regulates body constitution to lower relapse risk (e.g., post-breast cancer surgery care).

Important Considerations

• Integrated Approach: TCM should not replace conventional cancer treatment but should be used alongside it under medical supervision.
• Personalized Treatment: Herbal prescriptions must be tailored by a licensed TCM oncologist—self-medication is discouraged.
• Evidence-Based Use: Some herbs (e.g., astragalus polysaccharides) have research-backed benefits, but unverified folk remedies should be avoided.

Consultation Advice

Patients seeking TCM oncology care should consult a TCM specialist with oncology experience and provide their Western medical reports to ensure safe and coordinated treatment.

TCM Oncology excels in improving quality of life and long-term conditioning. When combined with modern medicine, it offers a comprehensive approach to cancer care.