Preliminary Exploration of a Formula for Liver Cancer, July 2, 1991

Preliminary Exploration of a Formula for Liver Cancer, July 2, 1991

I have traditionally relied on Yang Fang and Huangshan Fang to treat liver cancer, both of which emphasize the use of Qingpi, Chenpi, Chisha, and Baisha, along with frequent use of Lingzhi. Recently, “Comprehensive Collection of Famous Contemporary Chinese Physicians’ Prescriptions” listed two formulas for liver cancer: ① Huajian Tang; ② Liver Cancer Formula. The former features turtle shell, tortoise shell, oyster, and hawksbill; the latter includes Xiangfu, Yujin, seaweed, kelp, Baihua She She Cao, and Xia Ku Cao, with one formula using Yanhusuo and Chuanlianzǐ, the other employing Sanleng, Ezhu, Taoren, and Honghua. Both formulas incorporate Sini San. Based on this analysis, I synthesized a comprehensive prescription that could serve as Pei’s specialized formula for liver cancer.

Formula composition: Chaihu 10 g, Zhishi 10 g, Chisha and Baisha 10 g each, Gancao 10 g, Dang Gui 10 g, Qing and Chenpi 10 g each, Sanleng 10 g, Ezhu 10 g, Yanhusuo 10 g, Chuanlianzǐ 10 g, Turtle shell 10 g, Tortoise shell 10 g, Oyster 15 g, Hawksbill 15 g, Seaweed 15 g, Kelp 15 g, Xiangfu 9 g, Yujin 9 g, Zhili Ruxiang and Meiyao 10 g each, Huangqi 30 g, Dan Shen 30 g, Baihua She She Cao 15 g, Xia Ku Cao 15 g.

Adjustments: For obvious jaundice, add Yinchen, Zhi Zi, and Dahuang; for yellow, greasy tongue coating, add Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Huang Bo, and Dahuang; for worsening liver pain, increase Zhili Ruxiang, Meiyao, Qingpi, Jianghuang, Rougui, Sanleng, and Ezhu; for ascites, add Fupi, Hulu Pi, Cheqian Zi, and Tingli Zi.

Mnemonic: Four-four-eight pairs.