Learn TCM from National Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Professor Feng Li Shares His Expertise on Anti-Cancer Applications of Classical Formulas

​Surgeon Talks TCM: Classic Formulas as the "Golden Partner" in Cancer Treatment​

By Dr. Liu Jiaqi, Beihai People’s Hospital

​Introduction​

Hello, I’m Dr. Liu Jiaqi from Beihai People’s Hospital—a surgeon by day, and a TCM enthusiast poring over ancient texts by night. Under the mentorship of renowned Fengyang TCM practitioner Dr. Wu Mingjie, I’ve come to a profound realization: treating cancer isn’t about "Western medicine charging ahead while TCM watches from the sidelines." Instead, it’s a harmonious synergy where classical TCM formulas act as the "golden key" in this integrated approach.

Recently, representing my mentor at the ​11th Annual Conference of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies’ Tumor Herbal Formula Research Committee, I had the privilege to deepen my understanding of "classical formulas in oncology" alongside Prof. Feng Li from China’s National Cancer Center. This article distills these insights into accessible language—because actionable medical knowledge is true empowerment for patients.

​Section 1: Debunking Misconceptions: TCM Isn’t "Fighting Alone" in Cancer Care​

Patients often ask: "Dr. Liu, I’m already undergoing surgery/chemotherapy—what role does TCM play?"Since TCM oncology became an independent discipline, it’s never been about replacing Western medicine but ​complementing it. Imagine building a house: Western medicine lays the foundation and frame, while TCM fortifies it with waterproofing and reinforcement.

For most cancer patients, surgery is the first step. Here’s where classical formulas act as "escort officers," guiding the body through critical phases.

​Section 2: Pre- & Post-Surgery: Formulas as "Guardrails" for Smooth Recovery​

​Pre-Surgery: "Tonifying Formulas" to Optimize Health​

Anxiety, poor sleep, and malnutrition weaken patients before surgery. Classical formulas like ​Si Junzi Tang​ (Four Gentlemen Decoction), ​Siwu Tang​ (Four Substances Decoction), and ​Ba Zhen Tang​ (Eight Treasures Decoction) address these gaps:

• ​Si Junzi Tang​ (Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria, Licorice): Strengthens the spleen-stomach axis, improving digestion and resilience.

  • Case: A gastric cancer patient regained appetite and stabilized vital signs after a week of this formula.

• ​Siwu Tang​ (Rehmannia, Angelica, White Peony, Chuanxiong): Boosts blood production for anemia.

• ​Ba Zhen Tang​ (Combination of Si Junzi and Siwu Tang): Targets dual deficiencies.

  • Case: A lung cancer patient’s preoperative metrics normalized in 10 days, enabling earlier surgery.

​Core Logic: These formulas don’t "cure cancer"—they optimize the body’s readiness for treatment.

​Post-Surgery: "Restorative Formulas" for Complication Prevention​

Surgical success is just the beginning. Lymphedema after breast cancer or "dumping syndrome" after gastrectomy are common challenges addressed with tailored formulas:

• ​Breast Cancer Lymphedema:

  • ​Shen Ling Baizhu San​ (Ginseng, Poria, Atractylodes, etc.): Targets water retention via spleen-strengthening.

  • Result: Swelling reduced by half in 2 weeks, restored mobility in 1 month.

• ​Dumping Syndrome:

  • ​Banxia Xiexin Tang​ (Pinellia, Ginger, Ginseng, etc.): Balances digestive fire and fluid retention.

  • Result: Stabilized diet tolerance and weight gain in 2 months.

​Key Insight: Postoperative care focuses on ​symptom-specific adjustments, not one-size-fits-all tonics.

​Section 3: Chemotherapy: Formulas as "Pain Mitigators"​​

Chemotherapy’s collateral damage—nausea, hair loss, neutropenia—often forces patients to abandon treatment. TCM steps in as a ​damage-control ally:

​Combatting Nausea:

• ​Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang​ (Aucklandia, Amomum, Ginseng, etc.): Combats gas and restores appetite.

  • Case: A lung cancer patient’s intractable vomiting ceased within days.

• ​Kaixi Shiyin Tang​ (Ginseng, Poria, Pinellia, etc.): For severe reactions.

  • Result: Immediate relief and regained eating ability.

​Countering Bone Marrow Suppression:

• ​Ba Zhen Tang + Astragalus/Polygonum Multiflorum: Boosts blood cell production.

  • Case: A colorectal cancer patient’s white blood cells normalized in a week, enabling continued chemo.

​Crucial Reminder: Formulas must pivot with side effects—prioritize nausea one day, anemia the next.

​Section 4: Radiation Therapy: Formulas as "Firefighters" Against Heat Toxins​

Radiation’s "baked-body" effects—dry mouth, skin burns, radiation pneumonitis/pneumonitis—mirror TCM’s concept of ​internal heat toxins. Classic solutions include:

• ​Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang + Modifications​ (Ephedra, Gypsum, Apricot Kernel): Cools lung heat.

  • Case: A lung cancer patient’s radiation pneumonia resolved in 2 weeks.

• ​Baitouweng Tang + Modifications​ (Pulsatilla, Phellodendron): Treats radiation enteritis.

  • Result: Diarrhea and bleeding halted within days.

​Core Principle: Radiation’s modern toxicity maps neatly onto TCM’s "heat-toxin" framework.

​Section 5: Targeted Therapy: Formulas as "Harmonizers" for Side Effects​

Targeted drugs’ unique side effects—hypertension, rashes, bleeding—respond to targeted TCM interventions:

• ​High Blood Pressure: ​Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang​ (Gastrodia, Uncaria, Concha Margaritifera).

• ​Rashes: ​Xiao Feng San​ (Schizonepeta, Saposhnikovia, Cicada Molt).

• ​Bleeding Risk: ​Gui Pi Tang​ (Astragalus, Longan, Dragon Bone).

​Case: A lung cancer patient stabilized hypertension and rash in 2 weeks with a hybrid formula.

​Section 6: Advanced Cancer: Formulas as "Anchor Points" for Stability​

For late-stage patients unfit for aggressive treatments, TCM becomes the ​primary pillar:

• ​Pancreatic Cancer Case:

  • ​Chai Hu Shu Gan San + Sini San​ (Bupleurum, Cyperus, Corydalis): Relieved pain and restored appetite.

  • Outcome: Improved sleep, weight gain, and 3-month survival with good quality of life.

​Philosophy: Focus on holistic balance—eating, sleeping, pain relief—rather than direct tumor attack.

​Closing Reflections​

Classical formulas’ power lies in ​precision: matching pattern (e.g., qi deficiency, blood stasis) to prescription. As Prof. Feng Li emphasized: "Formulas aren’t panaceas, but when used wisely, they’re transformative."

My mission? Bridging surgical precision with TCM’s adaptive wisdom. Future posts will unpack more integrative strategies—stay tuned for practical takeaways!

​Your Turn: Share your questions below—we’ll turn complex medicine into actionable health guides together. ❤️

Let me know if you’d like refinements