Liver Cancer is the sixth most diagnosed cancer in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Even with advancements, survival rates can vary depending on the stage of the cancer and available treatments.
Researchers are now working to find complementary cancer treatments. In China, traditional techniques for strengthening the liver are often combined with conventional medicine. Evidence of a complementary link has been found between the two. It was also uncovered that TCM can alleviate symptoms associated with cancer therapies.
More studies must be conducted in order to ensure a smooth and safe integration of TCM alongside conventional approaches.
Let’s review together five recent studies that explore how the benefits of TCM are being explored and studied alongside conventional treatments:
The first study is a review article from China that describes how conventional treatments alone aren’t always effective for liver cancer and highlights the benefits of combining TCM with them. This is because TCM focuses on treating the whole body, not just the cancer. Some results of the study included inhibiting metastasis (when a tumor spreads), reducing resistance to cancer drugs, and regulating the immune system. These findings suggest that combining TCM with conventional treatments improves outcomes by restoring balance to the body and treating the cancer itself, although more studies are needed.
The second study emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach for treating liver cancer and the complementary nature of using TCM with conventional treatments. It described how TCM uses multiple biological pathways to attack tumors. There was also a discussion of future studies that aim to use TCM ingredients, such as Huaier Granule fungus, to develop cancer drugs. Despite the promise, more studies are needed to assess the treatment’s safety and effectiveness.
The third study describes how a formulation of TCM known as Fuzheng Jiedu Xiaoji (11 medicinal components) was effective in treating liver cancer when combined with TACE, a conventional cancer treatment (delivering chemotherapy to a tumor while cutting off its blood supply). A clinical trial with one group of patients receiving just conventional treatment and another receiving Fuzheng Jiedu Xiaoji in combination with conventional treatment. The group that received TCM in combination with conventional treatment showed improved overall survival and progression-free survival. The study also discovered that the formula can reduce tumor growth and spreading via the AKT/CyclinD1/p21/p27 pathway. Although further studies are needed, these results suggest that combining TCM with TACE is a promising treatment.
The fourth article discusses using TCM to manage symptoms in cases of advanced cancer, especially when conventional treatment, on its own, is no longer effective. It describes how symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite can negatively affect quality of life and overall survival. A variety of TCM treatments, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and topical treatments, were found to reduce these symptoms and improve patients’ well-being. The article also made reference to how these symptoms can impact patients’ mental health and emphasized the importance of supportive care and counseling to maintain a positive mental state. All in all, though more studies are needed, TCM appears to have a positive effect on cancer-related symptoms.
The fifth study is a review article that describes how various TCM formulas can manage liver cancer symptoms and underlying processes. It describes evidence that TCM can improve the quality of life and, under certain circumstances, extend survival. Some studies have shown improved disease-free survival and longer overall survival in patients who received TCM in conjunction with conventional treatment. This was due to TCM inhibiting cancer cell growth and tumor blood vessel formation. TCM also helps patients to manage symptoms such as low blood cell counts, nausea, and vomiting from treatments such as chemotherapy. Despite the promising start, more clinical trials are needed to assess the treatment’s effectiveness.
