1. Integrated Treatment of Lung Cancer

1. Integrated Treatment of Lung Cancer

Although surgery is generally considered the first-line treatment for lung cancer in Western medicine, early diagnosis is often difficult, so most patients are diagnosed at a stage when surgical intervention is no longer feasible—especially small cell undifferentiated carcinoma, where opportunities for surgery are even rarer. Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, has relatively more chances for surgery; with timely postoperative chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate can reach 50%. Adenocarcinoma, however, has a slightly lower five-year survival rate after surgery combined with chemotherapy compared to squamous cell carcinoma. For small cell undifferentiated carcinoma, the preferred chemotherapy regimen is COAP, while for non-small cell lung cancer, BCA is the first choice. When using these combination chemotherapies, taking the aforementioned Lanzhou Formula (Shengdi, Shanyurou, Danpi, Fuling, Zexie, Renshuxu, Taizishen, Dangshen, Shanyao, Beishashen, Maidong, Wuweizi) daily can significantly reduce chemotherapy side effects while enhancing the efficacy of the drugs. Over the years, Professor Pei has promoted this integrated treatment approach through academic lectures in several regions across China (Dalian, Guiyang, Xi’an, Beijing), attracting considerable attention from neighboring provinces and cities. Our department has adopted this approach in treating lung cancer and achieved excellent results. Recently, we discovered a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma whose clinical features closely resemble those of inflammatory pseudotumor, with normal isotope tumor markers, often mistakenly diagnosed as a pseudotumor. This type of tumor tends to metastasize to the bones, causing persistent pain, and treatment with isotope 89Sr is quite effective. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, lung cancer, viewed solely from the perspective of the lungs, does not involve deficiency of lung qi; rather, excess heat is the primary manifestation, while kidney deficiency is the root cause. If kidney yin is insufficient, water fails to control fire, and excessive fire harms metal, symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness, hemoptysis, a red tongue, and a floating, rapid pulse may appear. Clinically, signs of pulmonary infection are also observed. The preferred prescription for treatment is Su Xing San combined with Maxing Shigan Tang; the combined use of these two formulas has a clear therapeutic effect on lung real syndrome following radiotherapy and chemotherapy for lung cancer. Once inflammation subsides and clinical signs become less obvious, Da Wei Heji (Dafupi, Wuweizi, Yuanzhi, Banxia, Qingchenpi, Fuling, Gancao, Zhebeimu) is recommended, taken once daily as a decoction. This formula regulates qi, transforms phlegm, moistens the lungs, and stops cough, addressing both the root and the branches—making it an effective long-term prescription for lung cancer treatment. If hemoptysis occurs, add Wuzegu, Hansanqi, Dai Zhe Shi, and Chuan Beimu to the above formula. If kidney yang is deficient and water vapor rises upward, forming phlegm-dampness, cough with copious sputum will result. Breathing becomes labored, the mouth opens wide, shoulders rise, the tongue turns purple, and the pulse becomes thin and weak, with clinical signs of emphysema and cor pulmonale. The appropriate prescription is Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Suzi, Dafupi, Jiegeng, Chenpi, Fuling, Zhuye, Xingren, Rougui), with added ingredients. In this formula, rougui warms kidney yang and replenishes life fire, effectively strengthening the heart and relieving asthma.