Western and Chinese Medicine in Oncology and Hematology

Abstract

Based on a conclusive theoretical background, both Western and Chinese Medicine have developed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which lead to reproducible treatment results. Whilst Western Medicine focuses on a most precise diagnosis of tumor histology and the extend of dissemination, Chinese Medicine has developed tools for a functional diagnoses of disturbed body functions. And as Western Medicine aims at producing most specific targeted drugs, Chinese Medicine intends to stabilize disturbed body functions mostly with decoctions. A combined treatment which synergizes specific tumor attack and patient stabilization seems promising. However, the different cultural backgrounds have led to different standards of evaluation. Although the scientific evaluation of Chinese Medicine has led to the development of new drugs, the majority of treatments with decoctions are not evaluated according to the accepted standards. As of today, modern research could only occasionally find explanations for the longstanding experience, but new research ideas have resulted from this confrontation. The approach of combining standard treatments with Chinese treatment concepts only started a few decades ago. The experiences and promising results from smaller studies stand against possible risks of unknown interactions with proven treatment concepts. Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies will be necessary to evaluate these combined treatment concepts. In everyday life, Western and Chinese Medicine should be used in sequence, whereas in studies and special situations the combined approach should be applied to offer possible benefits without causing unnecessary risks to the patients.

Comparative efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Chinese patent medicines against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: An integrated study of network meta-analysis and network pharmacology approach

“…Long-term historical experiences show that the cooperation of TCM and western medicine may be more efficient for the cure and prevention of disease than each of them separately. Numerous studies reported the potential benefits of combined TCM and western medicine in improving tumor prognosis, reducing adverse reactions, and enhancing life quality (8)(9)(10)(11)(12). Recent clinical evidence indicates that the cooperation of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) and DEX had a good effect on lowing cardiotoxicity and improving the anti-tumor efficiency of anthracyclines (13).…”

Protocol for the development of a reporting guideline for clinical trials with integrated Chinese and western medicine interventions: the CONSORT extension for ICWM

“…TCM originated in China 5,000 years ago, following a unique and complete theoretical framework and using its terminology of etiology and pathogenesis. According to National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), TCM comprises a variety of practices, including Chinese pharmacologic medicine (herbal, animal and mineral medicine), acupuncture, moxibustion (burning a herb above the skin to apply heat to acupuncture points), tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), dietary therapy, and Daoyin therapy (such as baduanjin, tai chi and Qigong, which are practices that combine specific movements or postures, coordinated breathing, and mental focus) ( 1 , 2 ). WM is several hundred years old but has rapidly progressed due to the advanced sciences and superb technologies.…”

“…The WM is widely accepted and applied relying on robust evidence from both clinical research and evidence-based medicine (identifying a question, searching for evidence, appraising the evidence, applying the evidence, and assessing the evidence), which leads to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines ( 3 ). Based on a conclusive theoretical background, Chinese and Western medicine have followed various routines to gain knowledge in diagnosing and treating specially defined diseases, leading to reproducible treatment results ( 1 ). WM and TCM follow various routines to gain knowledge in diagnosing and treating specially defined diseases.…”

Chinesische Medizin in der individualisierten Onkologie

“…Abb. 2: Einsatz ergänzender Therapien, um einen möglichen Zusatznutzen zu erzielen ohne die Standardtherapie zu gefährden (adaptiert nach [11]).…”