Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer
Researchers in China have used traditional Chinese medicine involving plant-based medications for years in lung cancer clinical trials. Results of these studies suggest that Chinese herbs help some lung cancer patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment.
Why Isn’t Traditional Chinese Medicine Commonly Used in the US?
U.S. clinical trials have not studied traditional Chinese herbs in lung cancer care to justify their use yet. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer, no clinical trials on Chinese herbs for mesothelioma have occurred.
Chinese researchers have conducted such clinical trials for decades. They believe the evidence supports the use of Chinese herbs in cancer care. The use of medicinal herbs is an integral part of Chinese culture and treatment.
I tell my patients to check with their physician before starting any new medication. This is to make sure that one treatment (particularly Chinese herbs) does not interfere with another. While Chinese medicine continues to be researched, certain therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure could provide benefits in managing the myriad side effects that can occur with treatment such as chemotherapy.
Certain herbs may be helpful for mesothelioma patients. But there is no scientific evidence on the value of Chinese herbs in mesothelioma. No studies have investigated the potential risks and side effects.
Mesothelioma patients should discuss any herb or natural remedy with their doctor prior to using it to make sure it is safe.
Chinese Herbs and Lung Cancer Care
Approximately 133 Chinese herbs have been historically used in the treatment of lung cancer. The herbs used most frequently might have healing effects on lung tissue and may boost the immune system.
In 2013, PLoS One published a review of 24 Chinese clinical trials on non-small cell lung cancer and listed the most commonly used herbs.
Common Chinese Herbs
- Astragalus: Astragalus root appears to boost the immune system in clinical trials. Astragalus limits tumor growth and spreading. It reduces the immune-suppressing effects of chemotherapy. It may enhance the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin. A 2012 study reported improved quality of life among lung cancer patients taking astragalus injection during chemotherapy with cisplatin and vinorelbine.
- Nan Sha Shen: Research suggests it acts as an antibiotic and may help a dry cough with little phlegm. In 2010, a study injected the herb into the peritoneum. It reported a reduction in inflammation, vascular permeability and cancer-promoting compounds.
- Gan Cao: Gan cao, also known as licorice root, acts as an expectorant that accelerates mucus secretion. Chinese medicine practitioners prescribe the herb to help coughing and shortness of breath.
- Poria: Lung cancer patients experiencing edema may get some relief from poria. The herb has diuretic effects. It may reduce production of phlegm and may help insomnia patients sleep better. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Ehtnopharmacology found it effective at relieving edema in rats.
- Oldenlandia Diffusa: This herb has shown anti-cancer and chemopreventative effects in laboratory and animal studies. In 2011, a mouse study reported reduced production of markers overexpressed in mesothelioma.
- Asparagus Root: Evidence shows anti-cancer activity against leukemia and lung cancer. A 1998 mouse study found it limited tumor necrosis factor alpha, which causes inflammation.
- Jin Fu Kang: Another common complementary therapy for lung cancer in China is jin fu kang. It is a blend of 12 herbal extracts including astragalus. It was developed at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of lung cancer. The formula was tested for decades and was approved by the Chinese drug administration in 1999. It increases survival rates when compared to chemotherapy treatment alone.
- Yangzheng Xiaoji: Another herbal blend that is used to treat lung cancer is yangzheng xiaoji. It is a formula of 14 herbs traditionally used to treat cancer in Chinese medicine. A 2013 test tube study found that it may limit the spread of cancer cells. And it works synergistically with chemotherapy. A 2015 study found it reduced the spread of lung cancer cells in a laboratory setting.
Many Chinese cancer patients begin taking astragalus before they receive chemotherapy. It often improves survival and lessens side effects. No high-quality studies of astragalus use in cancer patients have been conducted in the U.S.