Cancer Treatment Strategies for Different Courses of Treatment

Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at Different Stages of Cancer Treatment

To achieve better clinical outcomes, experienced TCM practitioners adopt tailored strategies at different stages of cancer care, working in synergy with conventional treatments:

Post-Surgical TCM Support (1–2 weeks after surgery)

TCM intervention typically begins within one to two weeks after surgery. The main goals include:

• Using acupuncture and herbal medicine to clear residual effects of anesthesia
• Stabilizing blood pressure, preventing infection, and boosting metabolism
• Preparing the body for upcoming chemotherapy

The primary treatment principle at this stage is to tonify Qi, with supplementary approaches such as clearing heat and dampness, regulating Qi, and promoting bowel movement. A commonly used formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

TCM During Chemotherapy

During chemotherapy, TCM plays a key role in supporting the body and mitigating side effects, including:

• Reducing nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Decreasing inflammation and increasing saliva production to help restore appetite
• Enhancing immune function to prevent opportunistic infections

TCM principles during this phase focus on reinforcing the body’s upright Qi  through formulas that tonify the spleen and stomach, supplemented by herbs that descend rebellious Qi, regulate digestion, clear heat, generate fluids, and resolve phlegm.

It is often recommended to begin tonifying therapy before chemotherapy starts, in line with TCM’s preventive medicine philosophy (“treat before disease arises”), improving tolerance and quality of life, and helping patients complete the full course of treatment with better efficacy.

TCM During Radiation or Targeted Therapy

During radiotherapy or targeted therapy, TCM supports patients by:

• Reducing side effects such as dry mouth, sore throat, skin damage, and diarrhea
• Boosting physical energy and relieving fatigue
• Enhancing the body’s self-repair mechanisms to speed up recovery of healthy tissues

Treatment focuses on nourishing Yin, clearing internal heat, and protecting the mucous membranes, especially of the mouth and throat. For radiation-induced dry, peeling skin, Zi Yun Gao — a topical herbal ointment — may be applied.

For fatigue, herbal prescriptions aim to strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, tonify Qi, and raise Yang, often combined with aromatic and digestive-enhancing herbs to improve appetite and digestion.

TCM During the Surveillance Phase (Post-Treatment Recovery)

In the post-treatment observation phase, the role of TCM shifts from supportive care to being the primary treatment approach. Symptoms during this stage vary depending on the patient’s constitution, cancer type and stage, and prior treatment experiences.

Treatment at this point includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Tui Na massage, with goals to:

• Alleviate residual symptoms
• Accelerate tissue healing
• Restore organ function
• Reduce the chance of cancer recurrence or metastasis

Dietary therapy is also incorporated to support internal balance and promote long-term well-being.