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How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Be Used in Cancer Care
When navigating a cancer diagnosis, finding treatments that ease side effects and support overall well-being is a high priority. Today, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly considered a valuable complementary therapy in oncology. Many of its practices can help prevent chronic health issues, boost the body's natural resilience, and improve quality of life.
However, it is essential to remember that TCM is a supportive tool and does not substitute standard cancer treatment like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted treatments. Instead, it works alongside these to improve side effects and quality of life.
What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
TCM has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a comprehensive medical framework rooted in ancient philosophy. Its foundation relies on the balance of Yin and Yang, which represent opposite but interconnected forces within the body. This is a way of understanding opposite but interconnected forces within the body. According to TCM principles, when these forces are balanced, it helps the body feel better.
When this balance is disrupted, it leads to systemic disharmony. This refers to a lack of healthy or vital energy, and an accumulation of harmful factors. Traditional Chinese medicine in cancer therapies is designed around two main concepts: Fuzheng (strengthening the body’s resistance and immunity) and Quxie (eliminating the pathogenic factors, similar to targeting the tumor itself).
Modern research has found that the outcomes of TCM can be beneficial for people with cancer. And research is ongoing to best understand how to incorporate TCM into modern cancer care. This article shares some of the current research into TCM and cancer care.
It is very important to note that although many of these compounds seem beneficial and can serve many health benefits, you need to talk to your health team before taking them. Traditional Chinese medicine is still medicine and is not excluded from possible side effects or interactions with other medications you’re taking. To use complementary medicine safely it is advised to always talk to your oncologist before trying it on your own, especially if you are taking anti-cancer medications.
Research shows that traditional Chinese medicine could potentially help stop tumor growth
Modern scientific research is now trying to understand how herbal extracts used in TCM can directly interact with malignant cells. Molecular biology has shown that active compounds in TCM can disrupt tumor growth, prevent cellular aging, and trigger programmed cell death in tumor cells.
Traditional Chinese medicine and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy-induced fatigue and insomnia are some of the most disruptive side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Clinical studies have shown that high-purity Astragalus polysaccharides can significantly reduce these exact symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The right personalized combination can help protect against intestinal mucositis and severe diarrhea without compromising the primary treatment.
Research has shown that some compounds like Astragaloside IV (found in Astragalus) have been shown to degrade specific proteins. This has been shown to reverse tumor resistance to drugs like paclitaxel and make cancer cells responsive to treatment again. Similarly, Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) can act as a sensitizer to increase the effects of adriamycin in resistant cells.
Traditional Chinese medicine and immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by training the body’s own immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. But tumors are often able to evade detection.
TCM can interact with the immune system to help immunotherapy work effectively. Bufalin is a compound originally found in toad venom. It has been shown to help anti-PD-1 antibody therapies work. It does this by recruiting macrophages to the tumor site. It then helps transform them from a pro-tumor state to a pro-inflammatory, tumor-killing state.
Other herbal compounds have been shown to regulate immune checkpoints, making it much harder for tumors to hide from active T cells.
Improving gut health with TCM
A healthy gut microbiome helps the immune system, digestion, and overall health. It has also been linked to how well a patient responds to immunotherapy. A disrupted gut microbiome is common for people going through cancer treatment or antibiotic therapy. Specific traditional herbal formulas, such as Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) and Xiaochaihutang (XCHT), can help repair the gut microbiome.
Daily practices and habits are also a big part of TCM. Dietary recommendations are used in TCM alongside supplementation with herbal formulas, to achieve the desired results.
By increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia and Bacteroides, these preparations help reduce systemic inflammation, protect the intestinal barrier, and increase the infiltration of active T-cells into tumor tissues. This dual action helps optimize the body's natural defense network while alleviating treatment-related digestive side effects.
Other Traditional Chinese Medicine practices
Complementary care in TCM extends beyond herbal medicine. Acupuncture, massage, and other practices are highly accessible, cost-effective options to manage symptoms and optimize your recovery journey.
Acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA)
Stimulating specific acupoints has been proven in clinical trials to help manage chronic musculoskeletal pain, neuropathy, and severe radiation-induced dry mouth. It is also widely used to reduce chemotherapy-related insomnia, helping some patients safely decrease their reliance on sleep medications.
Moxibustion and massage
These gentle therapies stimulate local blood and Qi flow. Moxibustion is safe and effective for reducing cancer-related fatigue, while specialized maxillofacial massages can help attenuate severe oral inflammation caused by radiation therapies.
Learn more about what you can do as a patient to take an active role in your cancer care
Integrating traditional practices with modern oncology requires open communication, strict safety standards, and reliable guidance from your care team. Because herbal active ingredients can sometimes interact with conventional prescriptions, you should always consult your primary oncology team before introducing new supplements.
To help you safely take charge of your health, consider these next steps:
Connect at community events: Navigating recovery is a team effort. Join our upcoming HealthTree Community Events to hear directly from integrative medicine specialists, oncology experts, and fellow survivors sharing real-world wellness strategies.
Your health needs are constantly evolving. Subscribe to our HealthTree Newsletter to receive up-to-date scientific findings, clinical trial highlights, and wellness resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Sources:
- Tailoring traditional Chinese medicine in cancer therapy
- Biological properties of 6-gingerol: a brief review
- An overview of pharmacological activities of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein: New insights into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways
- Saikosaponin A
- Triptolide: pharmacological spectrum, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and derivatives
- Andrographolide
- Berberine: What It Is, Benefits and Side Effects
When navigating a cancer diagnosis, finding treatments that ease side effects and support overall well-being is a high priority. Today, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly considered a valuable complementary therapy in oncology. Many of its practices can help prevent chronic health issues, boost the body's natural resilience, and improve quality of life.
However, it is essential to remember that TCM is a supportive tool and does not substitute standard cancer treatment like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted treatments. Instead, it works alongside these to improve side effects and quality of life.
What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
TCM has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a comprehensive medical framework rooted in ancient philosophy. Its foundation relies on the balance of Yin and Yang, which represent opposite but interconnected forces within the body. This is a way of understanding opposite but interconnected forces within the body. According to TCM principles, when these forces are balanced, it helps the body feel better.
When this balance is disrupted, it leads to systemic disharmony. This refers to a lack of healthy or vital energy, and an accumulation of harmful factors. Traditional Chinese medicine in cancer therapies is designed around two main concepts: Fuzheng (strengthening the body’s resistance and immunity) and Quxie (eliminating the pathogenic factors, similar to targeting the tumor itself).
Modern research has found that the outcomes of TCM can be beneficial for people with cancer. And research is ongoing to best understand how to incorporate TCM into modern cancer care. This article shares some of the current research into TCM and cancer care.
It is very important to note that although many of these compounds seem beneficial and can serve many health benefits, you need to talk to your health team before taking them. Traditional Chinese medicine is still medicine and is not excluded from possible side effects or interactions with other medications you’re taking. To use complementary medicine safely it is advised to always talk to your oncologist before trying it on your own, especially if you are taking anti-cancer medications.
Research shows that traditional Chinese medicine could potentially help stop tumor growth
Modern scientific research is now trying to understand how herbal extracts used in TCM can directly interact with malignant cells. Molecular biology has shown that active compounds in TCM can disrupt tumor growth, prevent cellular aging, and trigger programmed cell death in tumor cells.
Traditional Chinese medicine and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy-induced fatigue and insomnia are some of the most disruptive side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Clinical studies have shown that high-purity Astragalus polysaccharides can significantly reduce these exact symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The right personalized combination can help protect against intestinal mucositis and severe diarrhea without compromising the primary treatment.
Research has shown that some compounds like Astragaloside IV (found in Astragalus) have been shown to degrade specific proteins. This has been shown to reverse tumor resistance to drugs like paclitaxel and make cancer cells responsive to treatment again. Similarly, Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) can act as a sensitizer to increase the effects of adriamycin in resistant cells.
Traditional Chinese medicine and immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by training the body’s own immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. But tumors are often able to evade detection.
TCM can interact with the immune system to help immunotherapy work effectively. Bufalin is a compound originally found in toad venom. It has been shown to help anti-PD-1 antibody therapies work. It does this by recruiting macrophages to the tumor site. It then helps transform them from a pro-tumor state to a pro-inflammatory, tumor-killing state.
Other herbal compounds have been shown to regulate immune checkpoints, making it much harder for tumors to hide from active T cells.
Improving gut health with TCM
A healthy gut microbiome helps the immune system, digestion, and overall health. It has also been linked to how well a patient responds to immunotherapy. A disrupted gut microbiome is common for people going through cancer treatment or antibiotic therapy. Specific traditional herbal formulas, such as Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) and Xiaochaihutang (XCHT), can help repair the gut microbiome.
Daily practices and habits are also a big part of TCM. Dietary recommendations are used in TCM alongside supplementation with herbal formulas, to achieve the desired results.
By increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia and Bacteroides, these preparations help reduce systemic inflammation, protect the intestinal barrier, and increase the infiltration of active T-cells into tumor tissues. This dual action helps optimize the body's natural defense network while alleviating treatment-related digestive side effects.
Other Traditional Chinese Medicine practices
Complementary care in TCM extends beyond herbal medicine. Acupuncture, massage, and other practices are highly accessible, cost-effective options to manage symptoms and optimize your recovery journey.
Acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA)
Stimulating specific acupoints has been proven in clinical trials to help manage chronic musculoskeletal pain, neuropathy, and severe radiation-induced dry mouth. It is also widely used to reduce chemotherapy-related insomnia, helping some patients safely decrease their reliance on sleep medications.
Moxibustion and massage
These gentle therapies stimulate local blood and Qi flow. Moxibustion is safe and effective for reducing cancer-related fatigue, while specialized maxillofacial massages can help attenuate severe oral inflammation caused by radiation therapies.
Learn more about what you can do as a patient to take an active role in your cancer care
Integrating traditional practices with modern oncology requires open communication, strict safety standards, and reliable guidance from your care team. Because herbal active ingredients can sometimes interact with conventional prescriptions, you should always consult your primary oncology team before introducing new supplements.
To help you safely take charge of your health, consider these next steps:
Connect at community events: Navigating recovery is a team effort. Join our upcoming HealthTree Community Events to hear directly from integrative medicine specialists, oncology experts, and fellow survivors sharing real-world wellness strategies.
Your health needs are constantly evolving. Subscribe to our HealthTree Newsletter to receive up-to-date scientific findings, clinical trial highlights, and wellness resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Sources:
- Tailoring traditional Chinese medicine in cancer therapy
- Biological properties of 6-gingerol: a brief review
- An overview of pharmacological activities of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein: New insights into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways
- Saikosaponin A
- Triptolide: pharmacological spectrum, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and derivatives
- Andrographolide
- Berberine: What It Is, Benefits and Side Effects
about the author
Jimena Vicencio
Jimena is an International Medical Graduate and a member of the HealthTree Writing team. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism, she combines her medical background with a storyteller’s heart to make complex healthcare topics accessible to everyone. Driven by a deep belief that understanding health is a universal right, she is committed to translating scientific and medical knowledge into clear, compassionate language that empowers individuals to take control of their well-being.
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