Diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors using integrated traditional and western medicine: Progress, challenges and reflections

Abstract

Malignant tumors are one of the leading causes of death in the world. Considerable progresses have been made on the treatment of tumors in recent decades, especially in the prevention, early diagnosis and the model changing of therapeutics. But we are still facing tough challenges, including the increasing treatment burden and limited improvement of efficacy. In China, Chinese medicine (CM) provides a powerful arsenal to fight against tumors. CM can be well applied to the onset and progression of tumors in China, bearing the characteristics of multi-target, multi-phase and multi-effect. But there are also many problems demanding urgent attention in the use of CM. Some most debated problems in this field were summarized. We should upgrade our concepts in using CM, find its position scientifically, and establish evidence of its effect by high quality clinical research.

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicineas as an Adjunct Therapy for Refractory Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

“…Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) originates in China and encompasses characteristics of traditional Chinese philosophy and culture 10 . It has a long history being used to treat a range of mental disorders, including schizophrenia, and possesses a distinct perspective from medication techniques, emphasizing a holistic approach and treatment based on syndrome differentiation 11 , 12 . For refractory schizophrenia patients, TCM attempts to treat them based on the individual’s symptoms and signs, and such individualized treatment can maximize the effectiveness of Chinese medicine.…”