The American Cancer Society provides annual projections of new cancer diagnoses and mortality rates in the United States. For 2023, it anticipated 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer-related deaths.1 Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. To help find a cure, treatment to extend life, or ease negative side effects from existing treatments, various forms of complementary and alternative medicine have been used in the battle against cancer.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained recognition as a mainstream complementary and alternative therapy in cancer care. It has been shown to have beneficial effects on cancer patients in China.2 Herbal formulas have become a prevalent alternative therapy among numerous cancer patients due to their effectiveness and minimal adverse effects.3 For instance, in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Chinese herbal medicine has exhibited fewer toxic effects, improved quality of life, extended survival rates, and enhanced immediate tumor response.4
The increasing use of herbal formulations prompts the need for deeper exploration into their potential benefits, particularly in the field of oncology. The Herbal Oncology Program (HOP), developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center by its Integrative Medicine Service (IMS) and Pharmacy Departments, published findings from a groundbreaking study last year that explores the efficacy of herbal formulas to support cancer patients, providing valuable insights for future studies and treatment strategies.5
Herbal Formulas for Cancer
Many cancer patients turn to herbal formulas to alleviate symptoms, often self-prescribing without practitioner guidance. Unfortunately, this lack of communication with oncologists can compromise the efficacy of both herbs and conventional cancer treatments.
The HOP recognized this gap and sought out solutions. Its study investigated the integration of Chinese herbs into oncology care, aiming to enhance patients’ quality of life by addressing the challenging side effects of cancer treatments.
The herbal formulas in the study included Suan Zao Ren Tang modified, used for chronic insomnia; Ma Zi Ren Wan, used for constipation; and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, used for chronic diarrhea – all common side effects of cancer treatments. These formulas were selected based on unmet symptom needs, patient preferences, and existing research evidence.
The HOP established an herbal formula dispensary in partnership with the MSK Pharmacy Department, ensuring that the TCM herbal formulas were quality-controlled. The dispensing process involves comprehensive integrative oncology consultations, with the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and herbal preferences are discussed in detail. The program’s pharmacist, trained in both conventional pharmacy and TCM herbology, dispenses herbal prescriptions and provides counseling to patients.
Study Overview
With 851 outpatient participants, 84% actively undergoing treatment, the HOP provided 1,266 herbal prescriptions targeting various symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues (37%), pain (28%), fatigue, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances related to treatment (27%). The study’s outcomes were evaluated through comprehensive medical record analysis, symptom chart reviews, and a participant survey conducted between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2021.
Results
The study’s results affirm the feasibility of integrating Chinese herbal medicine into oncology settings. Patient satisfaction was notably high, with minimal adverse effects reported.
Of the 269 patients invited to participate in the post-study survey, 107 (40%) responded. Over 70% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the dispensed herbs in alleviating symptoms. 93.3% of the survey participants reported no negative side effects with the herbal formulas, and only 6.7% experienced mild side effects, which were resolved after discontinuing herbal use.
The positive outcomes suggest that herbal formulas effectively complement conventional cancer care, relieving symptoms and improving the overall treatment experience.
The survey participants expressed a strong appreciation for the chance to have honest and open discussions with integrative medicine providers regarding herbal remedies. This highlights the importance of clear communication. Their satisfaction with the consultations and the convenience of obtaining herbal medicines through the dispensary positively impacted their overall well-being.
Collaborative Health
The success of the HOP study underscores the potential benefits of integrating herbal formulas into cancer care. As TCM and Western medicine collaborate, patients stand to benefit from more comprehensive and tailored treatments.
By emphasizing patient-provider communication and evidence-informed herbal use, this study is a prototype for other oncology providers. The careful observation and hypotheses generated through the HOP will inform future clinical trials, advancing the evidence base for the safe and effective usage of TCM in oncology care.
References
Over my almost 30 years in clinical practice, I have used Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang extensively for a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from chronic headaches to anxiety, insomnia, and prescription drug withdrawal symptoms if these situations fit the appropriate patterns – all with extremely positive clinical outcomes.
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