Cancer Therapy: Chinese Medicine and Biomodulation in Cancer Patients

Stephen M Sagar, Raimond K Wong

Abstract

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a whole system containing therapeutic interventions, which individually induce biomodulation at the physiological, chemical and molecular levels. The theory of TCM proposes a synergy between specific interventions planned as part of a care plan based on TCM diagnostic theory. Combining TCM with the modern practice of oncology, in conjunction with biomedical interventions (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and pharmaceuticals), seems to have potential advantages through the synergy of biomodulation. The approaches are broadly categorized as modification of tumour response and reduction of adverse effects; modulation of immunity; prevention of cancer progression; and enhancement of symptom control. Although there is a rapidly increasing database of preclinical studies, there is a notable paucity of good quality clinical trials. Laboratory studies suggest that some herbs increase the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy without increasing toxicity. The healthy immune system is necessary for the control of malignant disease and the immune suppression associated with cancer contributes to its progression. Many Chinese herbs contain glycoproteins and polysaccharides that canmodulate metastatic potential and the innate immune system (these include constituents of Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifolafrondosa, Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and various other medicinal mushrooms).