Traditional Chinese Medicine for Mesothelioma Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare approach that seeks to harmonize the body and its surroundings. It encompasses various therapies and specific exercises. While TCM is not a proven cure for cancers like mesothelioma, it can offer potential advantages, such as alleviating side effects and enhancing the quality of life.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

TCM is an ancient form of alternative and complementary medicine with a history spanning thousands of years. It is rooted in the belief that illnesses and poor health result from imbalances in Yin and Yang energies, with treatments aimed at restoring balance of the life energy.

Unlike Western medicine, which relies on quantitative measurements like heart rate and lab tests, TCM diagnostics are more qualitative. They involve questioning patients, palpating for abnormalities, and careful observation.

Once a TCM diagnosis is established, practitioners recommend specific treatments, which may include:

Acupuncture and Acupressure: TCM treatments involve stimulating specific points on the body to improve energy flow and balance.
Herbal Supplements: TCM often employs a wide range of herbs, such as ginseng and astragalus, to complement cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
Nutrition and Dietary Changes: TCM emphasizes the role of diet in promoting overall well-being, with specific foods recommended based on an individual’s condition.
Qigong Exercise: Qigong exercises, including Tai Chi, are used to improve the flow of energy throughout the body, benefiting physical and mental health.

Purpose of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM aims to restore balance within the body and between the body and its environment. This holistic approach tailors treatment plans based on individual diagnoses and specific needs, guided by four key principles:

The Body Is an Integrated Whole: TCM views every aspect of the body, including the mind, spirit, and emotions, as interconnected and powered by Qi.
Connection to Nature: TCM recognizes the influence of nature and external factors like season, age, and location on the body’s well-being.
Self-Healing: TCM believes in the body’s capacity for regeneration and self-healing, even though it may be compromised.
Prevention: TCM emphasizes recognizing signals from the body to take preventive measures against illness.

While TCM should not replace conventional cancer treatments, it may enhance the effectiveness of modern therapies, as observed in China where TCM complements radiation and surgery. In the United States, studies are exploring its potential benefits for various illnesses.

Chinese Herbs in Mesothelioma Care

Chinese herbs play a significant role in TCM, with herbal therapy tailored to individual patients. These herbs are available in various forms, including pills, powders, teas, and ointments. Some Chinese herbs studied for lung cancer treatments, though not specific to mesothelioma, include:

Astragalus (huang qi): Known for its potential positive effects when used alongside chemotherapy.
Cinobufacini: Studied for its role in improving lung cancer treatment response and overall quality of life.
Codonopsis pilosula (dang shen): Used in herbal therapies for its potential benefits in cancer treatment.
Radix sophorae flavescentis (kushen): Associated with improved treatment response and reduced side effects.

Studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine, when used alongside conventional treatments, can result in decreased toxicity, improved quality of life, enhanced treatment response, and increased survival rates for lung cancer patients.

TCM Alongside Chemotherapy and Radiation

TCM therapies have been combined with chemotherapy and radiation treatments for lung cancer, showing promising results. For instance, cinobufacini capsules, a TCM herbal supplement, improved treatment responses, survival rates, and reduced side effects.

Aidi and Elemene injections, common additions to chemotherapy in China, have been associated with improved treatment response, extended survival, and reduced toxicities.

Studies have also paired TCM herbal injections with radiation therapy, with Kushen injection showing benefits in improving treatment responses and reducing side effects.

Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM’s holistic approach can complement conventional cancer treatment by improving overall health, enhancing tolerance to other therapies, and potentially extending survival rates. It can also target specific symptoms, including pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, nausea, and digestion issues.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Side Effects

TCM comprises diverse therapies, each with its own set of potential side effects. For instance, Chinese herbal medicines may cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal disturbances. Acupuncture may lead to fainting or bruising, while diet changes can have adverse interactions with treatments and allergies.

Finding a TCM Specialist

Patients interested in TCM should only work with licensed and certified professionals. Certification varies depending on the specific treatment, and it’s crucial to ensure practitioners are qualified and reputable. Consulting with oncology teams is also essential to integrate TCM into mesothelioma care effectively.

TCM offers a holistic approach to mesothelioma care, with potential benefits in symptom management and overall well-being. While it should not replace conventional treatments, TCM can complement them under medical supervision, providing valuable support to patients on their cancer journey.