Lung cancer, which is a cancer affecting the lungs and the bronchial tubes (the airways connecting the windpipe to the lungs), is the second most prevalent cancer diagnosis for both men and women. While prostate cancer is more frequently diagnosed in men, and breast cancer in women, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, claiming an estimated 1.8 million lives annually.
Lung cancer can present a range of symptoms, which are sometimes mistaken for common respiratory illnesses, potentially delaying proper diagnosis. These symptoms can include a cough that doesn’t resolve, discomfort in the chest, difficulty breathing, haemoptysis (expectorating blood), feeling unusually tired, unintentional weight loss, and repeated lung infections.
Causes and risk Factors
Lung cancer risk is largely due to environmental and lifestyle factors, while a very small percentage of the cases diagnosed are due to genetic factors. The most significant risk factor for lung cancer is the inhalation of tobacco smoke, whether from cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. Other factors that increase risk include breathing in secondhand smoke, having a family history of lung cancer, exposure to radiation or the radioactive gas radon, and occupational exposure to substances like asbestos, chromium, nickel, arsenic, soot, or tar. Infection with HIV and residence in areas with significant air pollution are also considered risk factors. The risk of developing lung cancer is amplified when smoking is combined with any of these additional risk factors. I have dedicated a full article discussing in depth all these factors, how they impact the lungs and what can you do to mitigate your risk.
Lung cancer often develops gradually, though some aggressive forms grow and spread rapidly. The transformation of healthy lung tissue into cancerous tissue happens at the cellular level, involving DNA damage from various factors, including environmental carcinogens like those in tobacco smoke, eventually leading to harmful gene mutation. Individual genetic predisposition can also play a role. However, approximately only 8% of all lung cancers are considered inherited or due to genetic predisposition.
Two extensively studied gene mutations related to lung cancer are:
- KRAS: Primarily observed in smokers with adenocarcinoma.
- EGFR: More prevalent in never-smokers, women, and people of Asian descent.
Both KRAS and EGFR regulate cell growth. Mutations in these genes can cause rapid, uncontrolled cell division, leading to tumor formation.
Types of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is categorized into:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Accounts for 15-20% of cases.
- Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors: Represent less than 5% of cases.
NSCLC and SCLC are further classified by pathology, which informs treatment and prognosis.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Subtypes
NSCLC originates from the bronchial surface epithelium or bronchial mucous glands. It typically grows and spreads slower than SCLC. The average 5-year survival rate for all stages NSCLC is 28%, compared to 7% for SCLC. NSCLC includes:
- Adenocarcinoma: Most common in the US and Japan, primarily affecting smokers but also occurring in non-smokers.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Strongly linked to smoking
- Large Cell Carcinoma: accounting for less than 10% of lung cancers.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC originates from neuroendocrine cells, sometimes called oat-cell carcinoma due to the cell shape. It constitutes 15-20% of lung cancer cases. SCLC is more aggressive than NSCLC, with faster cell division. While initially responding better to chemotherapy and radiation, it has a high potential for spreading and recurrence, leading to a poor overall survival rate.
Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung
SCLC is a type of neuroendocrine cancer. Other less common types include:
- Typical Carcinoid.
- Atypical Carcinoid.
- Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.
Conventional Treatment of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer treatment approaches vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Over the past 20 years, several methods have been employed:
- Surgery: The primary intervention for early-stage NSCLC.
- Chemotherapy: Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC, though the prognosis remains unsatisfactory. Chemotherapy is also used for SCLC, often in combination with radiation.
- Radiation Therapy (Radio-chemotherapy): Often combined with chemotherapy, particularly for SCLC and some NSCLC cases. However, it can cause severe side effects, and drug resistance can develop.
- Immunotherapy: A newer approach, not yet widely used and can be expensive. It aims to boost the body’s immune system to fight and kill cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: targeted therapies have emerged, targeting particular genes or proteins in cancer cells to block their. Many targeted drugs have been approved, but they can also cause side effects.
Finding effective therapies with fewer side effects remains a significant challenge in lung cancer treatment.
Why is there a need for integrative and complementary medical approaches in lung cancer treatment?
Lung cancer treatment faces challenges, since current standard treatments have not substantially improved survival and many come with a long list of severe side effects. Surgery is often the first line of treatment to consider, however, over 81% of diagnosed NSCLC patients are not surgical candidates. And this percentage is much higher in the cases of SCLC as the cancer is too advanced and often metastasized by the time it is diagnosed. On the other hand, chemotherapy and radiation have limited efficacy in many cases and often come with severe side effects, and while newer options like immunotherapy and targeted therapy exist, they are expensive and not widely accessible. This situation has led many patients to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which is a broad field that includes pharmacological approaches like herbal medicine, and physical therapies like acupuncture and massage.
Use of herbal medicine for lung cancer treatment. What does the evidence say?
A significant portion of lung cancer patients, about 48%, use herbal medicine. Research studies, primarily from China, suggests that combining herbal therapies with platinum-based chemotherapy may increase survival rates in non-small-cell lung cancer by up to 42% compared to chemotherapy alone. However, similar robust evidence from Western medical research is limited.
Nature has provided us with many powerful medicines, and some of these, along with similar lab-made versions, are still crucial in treating diseases like cancer. Think of it like this: we find a useful tool in nature, and then sometimes we can make a better, or more readily available, copy in a lab.
For example, two important cancer drugs, vinblastine and vincristine, are extracted from the Madagascar periwinkle flower. Another, paclitaxel (often known as Taxol), comes from the leaves of the Pacific yew tree and related species. There are also drugs like etoposide and teniposide, which are made by slightly modifying a natural substance called epipodophyllotoxin.
A study of Pan-Asian medicine and vitamins
One study examined a combined approach of Pan-Asian medicine and vitamins (PAM+V) at a Chinese medicine center in the San Francisco. This 10-year retrospective study included 239 non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Researchers compared patients receiving short-term PAM+V (only during chemotherapy/radiotherapy) with those receiving long-term PAM+V (continuing beyond conventional treatment). They also compared PAM+V plus conventional treatment to conventional treatment alone, using data from Kaiser Permanente and the California Cancer Registry as controls. Sophisticated statistical methods were used to ensure fair comparisons.
The results showed that long-term PAM+V use after chemotherapy completion was associated with an 83% reduction in deaths for stage IIIB lung cancer and a 72% reduction for stage IV, compared to short-term use. Combining long-term PAM+V with conventional therapy reduced deaths by 46% for stage IIIA, 62% for stage IIIB, and 69% for stage IV, compared to conventional therapy alone. For stage IV patients receiving PAM+V, survival rates were 82% at one year, 68% at two years, and 14% at five years. Overall, the study suggested that PAM+V combined with conventional treatment improved survival across stages IIIA, IIIB, and IV compared to conventional treatment alone.
Studies on Chinese medicine impact on lung cancer treatment, survival and quality of life
A separate retrospective study looked at the impact of CHM on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in lung cancer patients. 761 patients who received CHM from their initial diagnosis were compared to 373 patients who did not receive CHM. The median PFS was 70.4 months for the CHM group and 23.8 months for the control group. The median OS was 129.1 months in the CHM group and 99.7 months in the control group. Improved survival with CHM was seen across all cancer stages, especially in early-stage disease.
One-year to ten-year progression-free survival rates were significantly higher in the CHM group. Statistical analysis identified CHM treatment, female sex, younger age at diagnosis, early tumor stage, and surgery as independent factors associated with better outcomes. CHM treatment was also associated with a reduced risk of recurrence and metastasis in all subgroups of patients.
A systematic review analyzed 24 trials involving 2,109 patients to evaluate the effects of combining CHM with conventional chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. 1,064 patients received the combined treatment, and 1,039 received chemotherapy alone. The combined therapy significantly increased the one-year survival rate (by 36%), improved immediate tumor response (by 36%), and enhanced the Karnofsky performance score (a measure of functional status).
The combined therapy also reduced severe nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy (by 76%) and helped prevent decreases in hemoglobin and platelets (by 36%). This review suggested that adding CHM to chemotherapy can reduce chemotherapy’s toxic effects, improve survival, enhance tumor response, and improve performance status in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients. However, the review also notes the need for more large-scale, randomized clinical trials to confirm these findings.
Other research has explored many other benefits of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in lung cancer treatment. Studies have indicated potential benefits like preventing cancer recurrence and spread, reducing the toxic side effects of chemotherapy, alleviating low white blood cell counts (leucopenia), improving the effectiveness of treatments in patients with specific genetic mutations (EGFR), and enhancing quality of life. CHM may also help restore immune function and improve symptoms as understood in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after surgery.
Herbal remedies and supplements for lung cancer
Below we will discuss several herbal remedies and their components that have demonstrated anti-tumor activity against lung cancer cells in various clinical settings. These substances often work by inducing apoptosis, which is a process of programmed cell death, essentially causing the cancer cells to self-destruct. This is a desirable outcome in cancer treatment as it targets the abnormal cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Other mechanisms of action include affecting cell division, blood vessel formation, and immune responses.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a natural substance found in plants like grapes and peanuts, and especially concentrated in the root of the Japanese knotweed plant, is being explored as a potential treatment for lung cancer. Red wine contains more of this compound than white wine, ranging from about 0.84 to 7.33 milligrams per liter, compared to white wine’s 0.01 to 0.08 milligrams per liter, due to differences in how the wines are made.
Resveratrol’s Effects on Cancer Cells
Cancer is known for its high mutation rate, often leading to resistance to standard treatments. Research indicates resveratrol can: 1) reduce cancer cell growth and inhibit tumor development; 2) induce cancer cell death; 3); halt the cell cycle and 4) prevent lung cancer from spreading. While known for its antioxidant properties, which neutralize harmful free radicals protecting cells from DNA damage, resveratrol can also increase these free radicals in cancer cells. This increase can damage and kill cancer cells.
The cytotoxic effect of Resveratrol has been shown to be selective which is a crucial issue when it comes to cancer treatment, a study reported that H460 lung cancer cells are significantly more susceptible to resveratrol’s cytotoxic effects than non-cancerous healthy lung cells (Beas-2B ) leading to the death of only the cancerous cells.
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Challenges and Administration Routes
However, using resveratrol alone has limitations, including poor absorption by the body, lack of targeted delivery, and instability.
While adminstering resveratrol orally showed effectiveness in preventing colon cancer in mice, this way of adminstration didn’t protect them from lung cancer caused by chemicals. Therefore, other methods of delivery are being investigated. One study showed that delivering a concentrated resveratrol formulation directly into the nose was a successful way to get the compound into the lungs. This treatment was given to mice with lung cancer three times a week for 25 weeks. The mice treated with resveratrol showed a 27% reduction in tumor number and a 45% decrease in tumor volume. Laboratory studies suggested that this was due to increased cancer cell death. This research demonstrates an effective way to overcome resveratrol’s poor oral absorption, suggesting its potential for future clinical trials.
Other studies are looking into another delivery approach such as Nanoparticle-based delivery systems, which can overcome these above-mentioned challenges, improving drug delivery, stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to lung cancer cells.
Astragalus Polysaccharides (APS)
APS, a traditional Chinese medicine used for over 2,000 years, has been extensively studied and demonstrates a wide range of biological activities. Research has shown APS to have anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, anti-fibrotic, anti-radiation, anti-aging, anti-metabolic disorder, cardiovascular protective, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, and anti-infection properties. APS is particularly noted for its low toxicity, making it a promising candidate for various medical applications.
APS has garnered attention for its potential in cancer management. Its anti-cancer mechanisms involve inducing tumor cell death (apoptosis), inhibiting tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion, modulating immune function and autophagy, and enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs while reducing their toxicity.
Evidence from studies
Specifically, APS has been shown to work synergistically with chemotherapy drugs. For example, combining APS with cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, increased the suppression tumor cell growth and enhancing apoptosis. APS has also been shown to overcome resistance to gefitinib, a lung cancer treatment, by targeting a specific signaling pathway.
In other studies, combining APS with 10-hydroxycamptothecin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells increases the expression of certain cell death-related genes and proteins, while also promoting autophagy by inhibiting a specific protein (MAP4K3).Clinical studies have also indicated that APS can alleviate cancer-related fatigue and improve the quality of life for advanced cancer patients.
A meta-analysis of 65 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 4,751 patients investigated the effects of combining astragalus-based herbal preparations, with platinum-based chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone, in NSCLC patients. The analysis found that the combined treatment improved survival rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Specifically, at 6 months, the combined treatment reduced the risk of death by 46%. At 12 months, the risk of death was reduced by 35%, with this result being consistent at 24 and 36 months . The combined treatment also improved overall tumor response rates by 35% when compared to chemotherapy.
Challenges and Administration Routes
Similar to resveratrol, the challenge with APS is its limited ability to penetrate cell membranes due to its large size and water-soluble nature. To overcome this, researchers are exploring nano-drug delivery systems. These systems can selectively deliver drugs to specific sites in the body, potentially increasing the therapeutic effects of APS while reducing adverse reactions. This approach holds promise for improving the clinical application of APS in cancer treatment.
Danshen ( Radix salviae miltiorrhizae)
Danshen herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, has a powerful antitumor effect and been extensively used in treatment of various cancers including lung cancer where it was reported to reduce the growth of lung adenocarcinoma tumors.
Studies on mice with lung adenocarcinoma found that a component of Danshen, salvianolate, slowed tumor growth and reduced levels of proteins (ATP7A and ATP7B) linked to cancer development and chemotherapy resistance.
A meta-analysis of thirteen studies involving 1,045 participants explored how Chinese herbal formulas with Danshen as a core ingredient affected various cancers, with lung cancer being a primary focus. Results indicated that these formulas significantly improved patient outcomes, more than doubling the likelihood of a positive treatment response. The formulas also increased survival rates: by 70% at one year mark, nearly tripled survival at three years, and increased it over eight-fold at five years. These studies suggest that using Danshen with chemotherapy is more effective than standard chemotherapy alone.
Ginseng and Ginsenoside Rg3
Ginseng, a traditional medicine in China and East Asia, contains the active component ginsenoside, particularly Rg3, which has shown promise in cancer treatment. A study involving 414 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) found that combining ginsenoside Rg3 with chemotherapy resulted in a median survival time of 12.03 months, significantly longer than the 8.46 months observed in the chemotherapy-only group. The combined treatment also improved patients’ functional ability compared to chemotherapy alone. The study reported that ginsenoside Rg3, when used with chemotherapy, can enhance survival, lessen symptoms, and mitigate bone marrow suppression. It appears to combat tumors by influencing how cells repair damaged DNA, preserving DNA integrity. Ginsenoside Rg3 has also demonstrated an ability to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, reducing drug resistance in NSCLC and other cancers.
Piperlongumine
This compound, isolated from Piper longum L., has shown anticancer activity in various research settings. It blocks a protein that fuels inflammation and cancer. In lung cancer cells, a specific amount of piperlongumine decreased a survival protein and increased proteins that lead to cell death. These effects were seen in animal studies as well, where Piperlongumine stops a protein that helps cancer cells migration. It slows cancer cell growth, with half the cells affected at a concentration of 10.64 μM.
Ginger ([6]-Gingerol)
[6]-Gingerol, a pungent component of ginger, exhibited antiangiogenic activity, meaning it inhibits the formation of new blood vessels. Tumors need a blood supply to grow, so blocking angiogenesis can starve the tumor. This activity was observed both in vitro and in vivo, and [6]-gingerol also reduced the number of lung metastases in mice. Another recent study has shown that [6]-Gingerol also blocks the survival and proliferation of lung cancer cells.
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Sesamin
Found in sesame seeds, has shown promise in several areas, including blood pressure regulation and tumor suppression. In lung cancer cells, sesamin affects a key signaling pathway, inhibiting its activity and reducing levels of proteins involved in cell division. It may also suppress another related signaling pathway, leading to cell cycle arrest. Sesamin can increase the production of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells, disrupting their mitochondria and promoting apoptosis. Therefore, sesamin extract could function as an adjacent treatment for lung cancer.
Selaginella tamariscina
This traditional Chinese herb has shown promise in preventing metastasis. Studies have demonstrated its anti-metastatic effects against lung cancer cells both in cell studies and animal models. Research has linked this activity to the induction of apoptosis in lung cancer cells.
Sesbania grandiflora
The methanolic fraction of this plant has demonstrated potent antiproliferative effects, meaning it inhibits the growth and division of cells, specifically against human lung cancer cell lines. This effect is related to the induction of apoptosis, which is associated with high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are unstable molecules that can damage cells, but in this case, they appear to trigger the self-destruction of cancer cells.
Thevebioside (THB)
Extracted from the Thevetia peruviana plant, has exhibited powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Lab studies on lung cancer cells show THB can kill these cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, particularly those with a normal p53 gene. THB appears to work by triggering programmed cell death, increasing levels of certain proteins that promote this process and decreasing levels of a protein that inhibits it. It may also disrupt a signaling pathway involved in tumor growth. Importantly, THB has shown low toxicity to normal lung cells and no apparent harm to the organs of mice with induced lung tumors.
Cinnamaldehyde (CA)
Cinnamaldehyde (CA), derived from cinnamon, has been reported to possess anticancer properties in various cancers. Studies have shown its effectiveness against NSCLC cells, with varying levels of effectiveness across different cell lines. CA influences the expression of proteins involved in cell survival and death, increasing those (associated with cancer cell death) and decreasing others (associated with cancer cell survival). Studies in animals with tumors have shown that CA treatment can reduce tumor size and weight. Additional studies have shown that CA can inhibit cancer invasiveness by reducing the production of certain enzymes and that combining it with heat can enhance its cancer-fighting effects in certain cell lines.
Jervine
A compound from the Veratrum plant, also shows promise in treating lung cancer. It inhibits the growth and spread of lung cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Jervine induces autophagy, a cellular recycling process, and also triggers apoptosis, it also appears to work by suppressing two signaling pathways often implicated in cancer. In mice with induced lung tumors, jervine effectively slowed tumor growth.
Lysimachia capillipes (Capilliposide)
Capilliposide, extracted from this traditional Chinese medicine, is capable of inducing cancer cell death in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. In animal studies, it significantly decreased tumor. One study has reported that Lysimachia capillipes can also restore Radiosensitivity in Ionizing Radiation-Resistant Lung Cancer Cells.
Eupatolide
Research on this compound, extracted from Inula helenium, indicates its potential in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. A Study revealed that eupatolide inhibits STAT3 signaling, a pathway implicated in cancer progression. It demonstrated that eupatolide enhances the efficacy of chemo drugs such as cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in NSCLC cell lines. In mice, oral administration of eupatolide reduced tumor size over a three-week period. Furthermore, no toxicity were observed in the tested models.
Chinese formulas
Several traditional Chinese medicine formulas have been investigated for their potential in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These formulas, often composed of multiple herbs, have shown promise in both laboratory and clinical settings.
Jinfukang (JFK) Decoction
This 12-herb formula is approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration for NSCLC therapy. Studies suggest that JFK may trigger cancer cell death by activating certain proteins. It has also been shown to inhibit tumor growth in human lung cancer cells by interfering with DNA. Clinical trials indicate that combining JFK with cisplatin chemotherapy may prolong survival times in patients with stage II/III NSCLC, improve immune function, and lessen the side effects associated with cisplatin.
Buzhong Yiqi (BZYQ) Decoction
This eight-herb formula has traditionally been used for digestive issues. Research suggests that high concentrations of BZYQ can induce cancer cell death in gastric and ovarian tumors. It has also been shown to reduce gastrointestinal damage by suppressing inflammation and protecting against kidney damage through antioxidant mechanisms in mice. One cell study has proven that BZYQ can reduce NSCLC cells’ resistance to cisplatin and improve their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Studies suggest that BZYQ combined with chemotherapy can improve patient symptoms, reduce inflammation, lessen fatigue caused by the chemotherapy, and potentially improve survival rates in lung cancer patients.
Maimendong and Qianjin Weijing Decoction
This formula, consisting of eight herbs, has demonstrated the ability to suppress the growth of NSCLC cells and induce cell death in laboratory studies. Research has indicated that it may work by influencing the WNT signaling pathway, leading to changes in the expression of certain microRNAs and proteins that are involved in cancer cell metastasis. In animal studies, combining this decoction with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin showed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. A small clinical trial with 19 patients suggested that combining Maimendong decoction with cisplatin was more effective than cisplatin alone.
Lianjia Sanjie Decoction (LJSJD)
This 14-herb formula is used as a supportive therapy for lung cancer. Studies have shown that LJSJD has a toxic effect on several lung cancer cell lines. It has also demonstrated the ability to inhibit certain genetic mutations associated with cancer and stimulate the production of a tumor suppressor protein.
WenXiaChangFu (WXC)
This herbal formula, comprised of four herbs, has been shown to lessen resistance to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Studies have indicated that WXC can inhibit a specific signaling pathway involved in drug resistance in lung cancer cells. Combining WXC with cisplatin has also been shown to suppress tumor growth by affecting the cell cycle and promoting programmed cancer cell death.
BuFei Decoction (BFD)
This traditional Chinese medicine formula for lung cancer consists of six herbs. Research suggests that BFD can inhibit the expression of certain proteins that promote tumor growth and interaction with immune cells. It has also been shown to block the spread of cancer cells by influencing a specific signaling pathway, hence potentially reducing metastasis.
Physical Activities recommended during lung cancer treatment
Tai Chi
For people with lung cancer, staying active is really helpful. Practices like Tai Chi and Qigong, which combine gentle movements and breathing, have been shown to make a positive difference.
A 2023 randomised controlled trial looked at 226 people with advanced lung cancer. They compared aerobic exercise, like walking, to Tai Chi. Both activities helped improve sleep, reduce stress, boost physical ability, and regulate sleep-wake cycles. However, Tai Chi was shown to be more effective for improving sleep and increasing one-year survival rates.
In a separate trial focused on breathing difficulties (dysnia), a common problem for those with advanced lung cancer. It compared Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, and regular exercise. Tai Chi significantly improved overall breathing difficulties at two different time points compared to regular exercise. Both Tai Chi and aerobic exercise also helped with lung cancer-specific breathing problems, with Tai Chi showing a slightly larger benefit. The researchers concluded that both Tai Chi and aerobic exercise are effective in reducing breathing problems, and that Tai Chi’s combination of movements, breathing, and mental focus may make it particularly helpful.
A systematic review of six studies involving 823 lung cancer patients, mostly with advanced disease, found that Tai Chi and Qigong can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life and sleep, and reduce stress in palliative care settings.
The lowdown
Lung cancer presents a formidable challenge, and while conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have made significant strides, they aren’t always suitable for everyone. Moreover, the side effects can be incredibly difficult to manage, impacting quality of life during an already challenging time.
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing a lung cancer diagnosis. You might feel limited by treatment options, or perhaps you’re seeking ways to enhance the effectiveness of your current therapy while minimizing its adverse effects. I want you to know that you’re not alone in this, and exploring complementary therapies can offer a valuable path toward improving your current well-being and potentially prognosis.
The body has an innate capacity for healing, and sometimes, we need to look beyond traditional approaches to tap into that potential. This is where complementary therapies, like certain herbal medicines and mind-body practices, may offer a supportive role. For some individuals, these approaches can work alongside conventional treatments to improve overall treatment outcomes, alleviate side effects, and enhance quality of life.
Consider the potential of herbal medicine. While more research is needed, particularly large clinical trials, many animal and cell studies, in addition to human trials from Asian countries where the use of traditional medicines alongside conventional western therapies is common, suggest that certain herbs can work in harmony with conventional therapies to enhance their effectiveness and reduce toxicity.
Imagine being able to tolerate chemotherapy better, improving resistance to certain drugs or radiation, or experiencing fewer side effects, thanks to the supportive power of carefully selected herbs.
Furthermore, practices like Tai Chi and Qigong offer gentle yet powerful ways to connect with your body and mind. These movement-based therapies can improve sleep, boost energy levels, and even might contribute to increased survival rates. Taking a moment each day to engage in these practices can bring a sense of calm and control during a time that often feels chaotic.
It’s crucial to remember that complementary therapies should always be discussed with your healthcare team. As integrative physicians, we can work together with you and Chinese Medicine doctors to create an integrated approach that combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary practices. This ensures your safety and allows us to monitor your progress effectively.
My goal is to empower you with knowledge and support, offering a holistic approach that addresses your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By exploring all available options, you can make an informed decision in your treatment and work with your healthcare team to create a personalized care plan that provides the best possible outcome for you.