Lung Cancer 101

Lung Cancer
101
Presented by Alma Myers
for Western Clinical 1
with Anna Brantman

• Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth
of abnormal cells in one or both lungs.
These abnormal cells do not carry out
the functions of normal cells and do not
develop into healthy lung tissue. As they
grow, the abnormal cells can form tumors
and impede the function of the lung,
which is to provide oxygen to the body
via the blood.
• There are different types of lung cancer
and each type is treated differently.

• All cells in the body contain the
genetic material called deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA). Every time a mature cell
divides into two daughter cells, it
replicates its DNA exactly. The
daughter cells are clones of the original
cell, identical in every way. It is in this
way that our bodies continually replenish
themselves. Old cells die off and the
next generation takes their place.

• A cancer begins with an error,
or mutation, in a cell's DNA.
DNA mutations can be caused by
the normal aging process or
through environmental factors,
such as cigarette smoke or
breathing in asbestos.

• Researchers have found that it takes a series
of genetic changes to create a lung cancer cell.
Before becoming fully cancerous, cells can be
precancerous, which means they have some
irregularities (mutations) but still function as
lung cells. However, precancerous changes may
signify progression toward cancer. When a cell
with a genetic mutation divides, it passes along
its abnormal genes to the two daughter cells,
which then divide into four cells with errors in
their DNA and so on. Once a cell has a genetic
mutation, it may develop more. With each new
mutation, the cell becomes more irregular and
may not be as effective in carrying out their
function in lung tissue. At a later stage of
disease, some cells can migrate away from the
main tumor and start growing in other parts of
the body.
»These sites are called metastases.

Primary versus
Secondary Lung
Cancer

• Primary lung cancer starts in the
lungs. The cancer cells are abnormal
lung cells. Sometimes, people will have
cancer from another part of their
body travel, or metastasize, to their
lungs. This is called secondary lung
cancer, because the lungs are
secondary compared to the original,
primary, location of the cancer.

• Secondary lung cancer is not lung
cancer, but rather the type of cancer
from its original site, such as breast
cancer. Secondary lung cancer will be
treated differently than primary lung
cancer, because it is a different
disease. This presentation will focus
on primary lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC)
• NSCLC accounts for about 80% of lung cancers. There are
different types of NSCLC, including
• Squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma). This
is the most common type of NSCLC. It forms in the lining of the
bronchial tubes and is the most common type of lung cancer in
men.
• Adenocarcinoma. This cancer is found in the glands of the lungs
that produce mucus. This is the most common type of lung cancer
in women and also among people who have not smoked.
• Bronchioalveolar carcinoma. This is a rare subset of
adenocarcinoma. It forms near the lungs' air sacs. Recent clinical
research has shown that this type of cancer responds more
effectively to the newer targeted therapies.
• Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma. This cancer forms near
the surface, or outer edges, of the lungs. It can grow rapidly.

Small cell lung cancer
(SCLC)
• SCLC accounts for about 20% of all
lung cancers. Although the cells are
small, they multiply quickly and form
large tumors that can spread
throughout the body. Smoking is
almost always the cause of SCLC.

Some symptoms of lung
cancer that are in the chest:
• Coughing, especially if it persists or becomes intense
• Pain in the chest, shoulder, or back unrelated to pain from
coughing
• A change in color or volume of sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Changes in the voice or being hoarse
• Harsh sounds with each breath (stridor)
• Recurrent lung problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Coughing up phlegm or mucus, especially if it is tinged with
blood
• Coughing up blood

Some symptoms of lung
cancer in the body:
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Headaches, bone or joint pain
• Bone fractures not related to accidental injury
• Neurological symptoms, such as unsteady gait or
memory loss
• Neck or facial swelling
• General weakness
• Bleeding
• Blood clot

• When you read about statistics, it is always
important to remember that they are
compiled from populations, or groups, of
people. They do not represent individual
experiences.
• Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers.
In 2007, lung cancer accounted for
approximately 15% of all cancer diagnoses and
29% of all cancer deaths. It is the second most
diagnosed cancer in men and women (after
prostate and breast, respectively), but it is the
number one cause of death from cancer each
year in both men and women. Because lung
cancer can take years to develop, it is mostly
found in older people. The average age
of a person receiving a lung cancer
diagnosis is 69 years.

• Overall, lung cancer affects men more than
women, but that gap is closing. In 2007, an
estimated 114,760 men and an estimated
98,620 women will be diagnosed with lung
cancer and an estimated 89,510 men and an
estimated 70,880 women will die from lung
cancer.
• Cigarette smoking is the cause of most lung cancers,
but there are other factors, too. Exposure to asbestos,
radon, environmental factors, or secondhand smoke
can cause lung cancer. Sometimes, a person develops
lung cancer and doctors do not know why. There are
often internal factors (inherited or from our genes) as
well as external or environmental factors (from outside
of our bodies) involved in the development of
any type of cancer.

• Lung cancer is the subject of a great
amount of research. Promising areas of
research include the study of
chemopreventive agents and research
into targeted therapies, both of which
show potential to halt the progression of
the development of a cancer cell.
However, lung cancer does not receive as
much attention, both in funding and in
public awareness, compared to other
types of cancers that are not as common.
Advocates for lung cancer research are
working hard to raise awareness
of this imbalance.
•

Here are some organizations that work
to support people with lung cancer by
raising awareness of the disease and
offering information and services to
patients and families.
• Lung Cancer Alliance
www.lungcanceralliance.org
• American Society of Clinical Oncology's
People Living with Cancer www.plwc.org
• National Lung Cancer Partnership
www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org

When Smokers Quit -
What Are the
Benefits Over Time?

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood
pressure drops.
• 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your
blood drops to normal.
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves
and your lung function increases.
• 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath
decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of
the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability
to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
• 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease
is half that of a smoker's.
• 5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a
nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
• 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half
that of a continuing smoker's. The risk of cancer of the mouth,
throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
• 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is
that of a nonsmoker's.

Surgery
• Curative surgery: The removal of a tumor when it
appears to be confined to one area, which means
an early stage cancer. This type of surgery aims
to completely remove the cancerous tumor, and
may include remove a wedge, a lobe, or an entire
lung.
• Palliative surgery: The goal of this surgery is to
make the patient more comfortable, e.g., laser
surgery for the removal of an obstruction or
opening of an airway.

After surgery, potential
side effects include:
• Pain. One of the most common side effects
associated with surgery. Some surgery for lung
cancer requires cutting through the ribs and/or
cutting a nerve. This can take several months to
heal. A patient should be honest with his or her
health care team about pain because there are
many options to alleviate it
• Infection. Infections at the site of the wound
and inside the body are another possible side
effect. Antibiotics give by a doctor are able to
treat most infections.

Chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy uses strong chemicals or
drugs to kill cancer cells, stop their
reproduction, or slow their growth. There
are many types of chemotherapy drugs,
and they may be given in combination with
each other, and also in combination with
surgery and radiation.
• This therapy may be given daily, weekly, or
monthly, and can continue for months or
possibly years. Some drugs may be given in
cycles, with rest periods between
treatments to allow the body to recover.

Side effects
• Nausea and vomiting. Chemotherapy may cause nausea and
vomiting, but there are medications that may help with
these issues. Even though eating may be difficult if the
patient has nausea and vomiting, it is important to eat
frequent, small meals to maintain strength. Eating and
drinking slowly and avoiding fatty foods may help. After
eating, it is important to not lie down flat for at least two
hours, as this may worsen symptoms.
• Hair loss. Hair loss can occur on all parts of the body. Hair
may fall out completely or may thin. Usually, hair grows back
after treatment is completed.
• Fatigue. Chemotherapy affects the bone marrow and the
body's ability to make red blood cells, which may
temporarily cause anemia. Anemia can make patients feel
weak and tired. Getting more sleep at night and resting
during the day can help with fatigue. Eating foods rich in
iron and regular exercise can also help. .

Side effects (cont.)
• Infections. Chemotherapy's effects on bone marrow may
also lower the number of white blood cells, which help fight
infection. To prevent infection, patients should avoid exposure
to people who have a cold, flu, or other contagious disease.
Frequent hand washing helps minimize infections.
• Bleeding. Chemotherapy can affect other blood cells called
platelets, which may lead to easier bruising or bleeding.
Patients should alert their doctors if bleeding occurs.
• Mouth sores. Because the lining of the mouth contains cells
that are susceptible to chemotherapy, a person may develop
sores there during therapy. Because mouth sores are painful, a
patient experiencing them may avoid eating. A dietician or
oncology nurse will have ideas about how to get appropriate
nutrition through beverages, such as liquid supplements and
homemade smoothies, and through soothing foods, such as
yogurt or puddings.

Side effects (cont.)
• Loss of appetite. Whether due to nausea or
vomiting or some other reason, many patients
undergoing chemotherapy report losing their
appetites. Eating small meals of healthful foods can
help and patients should keep in mind the
importance of staying strong through good
nutrition. Liquid supplements that contain vitamins
and minerals can help maintain nutrition and avoid
weight loss.
• Diarrhea. Chemotherapy may cause diarrhea
because it affects the cells lining the
gastrointestinal tract. There are medicines
available to help with this side effect. Patients
should alert their doctors if diarrhea continues.

Radiation
• Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) may be
effective for the treatment of lung cancer. It uses high-
energy rays, similar to X-rays, but stronger, to kill or shrink
cancer cells. Usually, lung cancers are treated from an
external source of energy. However research is underway to
study the use of implanted radioactive seeds into or near
the lung cancer.
• Radiation therapy is usually spaced over a number of weeks
or months because the doses needed to kill cancer cells
cannot be given all at once. The number of treatments a
patient receives depends on the type and extent of the
tumor, as well as the radiation dosage and how the patient is
affected by the treatment.

Side effects
• Fatigue. Fatigue is the most common side effect of radiation.
A patient undergoing radiation therapy should rest as much as
possible at night and limit their activities during the day.
• Eating problems. Nausea may occur with radiation, as can loss
of appetite. Some medications are available to help with
nausea and some patients find it useful to eat frequent, small
meals throughout the day.
• Hair loss. Hair loss may occur on the part of the body
undergoing radiation.
• Skin reactions. The skin in the treatment area may become
dry, irritated, and sensitive, and should be treated gently. In
some cases, the skin may resemble skin that has been
sunburned and it may peel. The affected area should be kept
out of direct sunlight for at least a year after treatment.

New Treatments
• Chemotherapy regimens: Different combinations of existing
chemotherapy drugs are being explored.
• Targeted therapies: These therapies, which include monoclonal
antibodies, anti-angiogenesis drugs, and growth factor
inhibitors, are designed to treat only the cancer cells, thus
sparing normal cells from damage
• Photodynamic therapy: The use of light (photo) to shine on
cancer tissue and activate drugs is another promising area of
research.
• Lung cancer vaccines: Vaccines use the body's immune system
to fight diseases by engineering cancer cells so that they are no
longer cancerous, but still contain components that the immune
system will recognize as foreign.
• Gene therapy: As scientists learn more about how the genetic
changes in cancer cells, they are working to design ways to
correct those changes. The area of gene therapy, in which
normal copies of damaged genes are inserted into cells, has
much promise, but is still largely experimental.

Lung Cancer in TCM

• If we have a problem with the Lungs,
we'll see pathology consistent with
problems of respiration. We'll see
asthma, coughing, perhaps even Lung
cancer. However, on other levels,
we'll see sadness. This is the emotion
associated with the Metal element,
the Lung element.

Some of the associations with
the metal element are as follows:
• Yin organ: Lungs
• Yang organ: Large Intestine
• Season: Autumn
• Emotion: Sadness
• Direction: West
• Color: White
• Sensory Organ: Nose

• The soul associated with the Lungs is called the Po.
The Po is called the animal spirit. This is the part
of us that is instinctive and animalistic. The Po is not
eternal, it dies along with our body. I believe that it
is the Po that harbors the fear of death, because for
the Po, death is real. To the Hun, the spirit of the
Liver, death is liberation, to the Po death is final.
That is why we grieve for the passing of loved ones.
It is the Po's recognition of the end of life. The Po is
quick to recognize the loss of anything important in
our lives, and so "sadness" is the emotion associated
with the Metal element.
• On another level, Metal energy not only regulates the
breathing in and out of air in our lungs but the
bonding and releasing of attachments in our lives.

• It might be interesting to see what
happens if we were to offer smokers an
alternative to smoking in the form of yogic
practices that incorporate breathing such
as Kriya or Pranayana Yoga…
• …The true therapy of smoking lies not in
the ingestion of the smoke, but in the
deep, mindful breathing that takes place
while one is smoking…

• Of all conditions which the
herbalist/traditional Chinese medical
doctor may treat, cancer represents a
major test of the herbal tools we have at
our disposal. A common and largely
accurate perception of the damaging
effects of malignancy is that "if the
cancer doesn’t kill you, the biomedical
treatments for it will." This statement,
while accurate in some regards, doesn’t
take into account the growing
effectiveness of chemotherapy against
many forms of cancer.

One of the most appropriate and
effective roles the TCM
doctor/herbalist can fulfill

• To help reestablish an underlying balance in the
individual, and to unravel the complex patterns
inherent in the body which can, if left
untreated, lead to the development of cancer.
• Another appropriate role for TCM doctors and
advanced herbalists is in the use of herbs as an
adjunct to ongoing biomedical treatment for
existing cancer.

This can be addressed using any
or all of three main approaches:

• 1) to offset the damaging side-effects of
radiation and chemotherapy;
• 2) to benefit the patient’s immune system,
which biomedicine overwhelms and supplants
with its powerful agents; and
• 3) to aid in tumor reduction itself, potentially
shortening the length of time the patient needs
to receive radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Nutrition and
Supplements
Following these nutritional tips
may help reduce symptoms:

• Try to eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy (milk, cheese,
and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and chemical
food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for
food allergies.
• Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains (if no allergy),
dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and
tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
• Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if
no allergy) or beans for protein. You should use quality protein sources,
such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes as
part of a balanced program aimed at gaining muscle mass and preventing
wasting that can sometimes be a side effects of cancer therapies.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in such commercially baked
goods as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts,
processed foods, and margarine.
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Exercise lightly, if possible, 5 days a week.

• A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C,
E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as
magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus),
5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance
of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate
your probiotic supplements for best results.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tbsp. of
oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help
with immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are
good sources.
• Vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg one to two times daily, as an antioxidant
and for immune support.
• Alpha-lipoic acid, 25 - 50 mg twice daily, for antioxidant support.
• Resveratrol (from red wine), 50 - 200 mg daily, to help decrease
inflammation and for antioxidant effects.
• L-theanine, 200 mg one to three times daily, for nervous system
and immune support.
• Melatonin, 2 - 6 mg at bedtime, for immune support and sleep.
Higher doses may be beneficial in lung cancer, so check with your
health care provider.

• Limit diet to quality, not quantity. Cancer cells will
absorb the nutrition from food so a small diet of anti-
cancer foods would be beneficial. The cancer cells
reproduce faster than normal cells and they will die
faster as well. A diet bringing in the minimal amount of
calories to maintain the bodies metabolism is optimal.
• do not eat sugar
• become vegetarian (fish is the least harmful, make
transition slowly)
• eat good quality protein - tofu, beans, eggs, nuts,
mushrooms
• do not eat cold or bitter foods
• do not eat foods which create damp cold or damp heat

• An experienced homeopath can prescribe a
regimen for supporting general health during
lung cancer that is designed especially for you.
Acute remedies may be useful for relief of
symptoms associated with complications.
• Homeopathy may help reduce symptoms and
strengthen overall constitution, reduce the
effects of stress during cancer, and may help
decrease the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Radium bromatum is specific for radiation
poisoning, especially followed by arthritic
complaints. Acute dose is three to five pellets
of 12X to 30C every 1 - 4 hours until symptoms
are relieved.

• Castor oil pack over lungs may decrease
side effects of chemotherapy and aid the
lungs in detoxification. Saturate a cloth
with castor oil and apply directly to the
skin, placing a heat source (heating pad or
water bottle) on top. Leave in place for 30
minutes or more. For best results, use
castor oil packs for three to four
consecutive days per week. Packs may be
used daily.

• While acupuncture is not used as a treatment for
cancer itself, evidence suggests it can be a valuable
therapy for cancer-related symptoms (particularly
nausea and vomiting that often accompany
chemotherapy treatment). Studies have indicated that
acupuncture may help reduce pain and shortness of
breath. Acupressure (pressing on rather than needling
acupuncture points) has also proved useful in
controlling breathlessness. Patients can learn this
technique to treat themselves.
• Some acupuncturists prefer to work with a patient
only after the completion of conventional medical
cancer therapy. Others will provide acupuncture or
herbal therapy during active chemotherapy or
radiation. Acupuncturists treat cancer patients based
on an individualized assessment of the excesses and
deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In many
cases of cancer-related symptoms, a qi deficiency is
usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians.

• Acupuncture enhanced the cellular immunity
of patients with malignant tumors:
percentages of CD3+, CD4+, ratios of
CD4+/CD8+, and the levels of beta-EP
increased, while the levels of SI-2R
decreased.
• Acupuncture was performed on breast and
uterine cancer patients who had suffered skin
injuries from radiation therapy. Radionuclide
and rheographic studies as well as evaluation
of hemostatic function showed acupuncture to
be effective for edema and pain. It also
improved lymph flow and rheovasographic
indexes, and normalized stasis.

• figures 2A and 2B were
taken on June 15 before
and after acupuncture
treatment, respectively.
The maximum
temperature of the
abdominal area reduced
from 38.450C to 37.130C
due to acupuncture.
• Figures 2C and 2D were
taken on June 28 before
and after acupuncture
treatment. The maximum
temperature of the belly
reduced from 39.030C to
37.490C.

Traditional Chinese
Medicine Cancer
Treatment:
• Cancer caused by basic internal
causes and pathogenic factors
Pathogenic factors: Blood stasis,
Phlegm, Toxic substance
Basic Internal Cause:
Qi/Blood/Yin/Yang deficiency

TCM Cancer Pattern:
• Spleen Deficiency Leading To Kidney Deficiency
• Yang Deficiency with: Deficiency (ie fatigue)
• Dampness (ie teeth marks)
• Blood Stagnation (purple tongue)
• Toxins
• When treating cancer the spleen is deficient and
special care must be taken not to damage the
spleens function. Any type of tonification of the
body will not only strengthen the zheng Qi it will
also strengthen the cancer cells! One must also
limit their sexual activity in order to save their
kidney essence.

Emotions Linked To
Cancer:
Clinically 90% of cancer patients had an excessive emotional situation prior
to the onset of the cancer symptoms. Tradiionally if they were sad they will
have lung symptoms and possibly lung cancer. If they were angry then they will have
liver cancer.
Generally there is a 5 stage emotional response to cancer:
• Denial - Not Me (wants 2nd and 3rd opinions, does not want to accept)
• Anger - Why Me (nervous and angry, does not know what to do)
• Agreement - Help Me (unfocussed, getting as much info as possible)
• Depression - Kill Me (difficulty dealing with their position)
• Acceptance - Treat Me (focussed on treatment)
Acupuncture can be beneficial for these emotions:
• Depression - yin tang, Du 20, St 36, Pc 6 MOXA - Ren 4,6,10
• Frustration - Lv 3, Gb 34 (help release emotions - induce crying)
• Anger - calming points, liver and heart meridians
• Over Thinking (help me) - spleen and stomach points

TCM Cancer Treatment:
• Must attack the tumor and strengthen vital Qi at
the same time.
• Attacking Tumor -must use toxic herbs or
poisoning herbs. Hot Toxic are better than Cold
Toxic.
• Strengthening Zheng Qi/Vital Qi -must keep
spleen Qi strong, use the least spleen harmful
herbs.
• Detoxify Herbs/Formulas: Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Pu Gong Ying, Yuan Hua, Da Qing Ye, (Huang
Lian/Bai/Qin too cold for spleen)
• Poisoning Herbs For Anti-Cancer Use: Quan Xie,
Wu Gong, Zhe Chong

• Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's
systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health
care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any
treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules,
powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures
(alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make
teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10
minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink
2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination
as noted.

• Green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) standardized extract,
250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anticancer, and
immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You
may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
• Reishi mushroom ( Ganoderma lucidum) standardized
extract, 150 - 300 mg two to three times daily, for
anticancer and immune effects. You may also take a
tincture of this mushroom extract, 30 - 60 drops two to
three times a day.
• Olive leaf ( Olea europaea ) standardized extract, 250 -
500 mg one to three times daily, for anticancer and
immune effects.
• Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) seed standardized
extract, 80 - 160 mg two to three times daily, for
detoxification support.
• Fermented wheat germ extract, 1 packet dissolved in
favorite beverage once daily, for anticancer and immune
effects.

• Listed below are ten herbs from the Chinese and western herbal
traditions which address this third treatment approach--tumor
reduction itself, via their 'antineoplastic' action. Consider that
different forms of malignancy are treated with different
substances, and each individual case may require entirely
separate treatment principles, suggesting that anti-neoplastic
herb choices must be chosen from appropriate categories of
action. Obviously, there are more than 10 herbs with
antineoplastic action in the Chinese and western pharmacopeia,
but these can be considered a 'jumping off' point for further
study; this is my personal intent. Information provided on these
herbs is based on both empirical and clinical evidence gathered
third-hand; verification of clinical and/or empirical findings is
difficult to provide without access to the studies themselves, and
no guarantees are made for these herbs’ effectiveness.
References for all information is provided below.

• Common Name: Oldenlandia
Chinese Name: Bai He She She Cao
Latin: Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae/Oldenlandia Diffusae
Family: Rubiaceae
TCM Category: Clear Heat/Relieve Toxicity
Antineoplastic Action(s):
--Used in treatment of stomach, esophageal and colon cancer;
--Activates reticuloendothelial system and increases phagocytosis
by lymphocytes. Also, in high concentrations shows inhibitory
affect in vitro on cells from acute lymphocytic and granulocytic
leukemia.

• Common Name: Selaginaella
Chinese Name: Shi Shang Bai
Latin: Herba Selaginellae Doederleinii
Family: Selaginellaceae
--Mice inoculated with granuloma-180 and injected with Shi
Shang Bai showed 40-50% tumor inhibition of tumors; Mice with
hepatic cancer lived significantly longer than control group not
treated with Shi Shang Bai.
--Helpful in treatment of lung and throat cancer, and malignant
hydatidiform moles, with remission in 50% of patients. Commonly
used in China in treatment of smaller body cancers in nose,
throat, lung and liver. When used with chemotherapy and
radiation shown to accelerate cancer remissions.

• Common Name: Sophora Root
Chinese Name: Shan Dou Gen
Latin: Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis
Family: Leguminaceae
--In doses of 60g/kg had significant effect in treatment of
cervical cancer in mice, and an inhibitory affect on sarcoma-180.
Used in treatment of acute lymphocytic/granulocytic leukemia,
inhibiting dehydrogenase activity and cellular respiration of
malignant cells.

• Common Name: Zedoania
Chinese Name: E Zhu
Latin: Rhizoma Curcumae Ezhu
Family: Zingeberaceae
TCM Category: Invigorate Blood
--Inhibits granuloma-180, often combined with San Leng (Rhizoma
Sparganii Stoloniferi).
–-In China, 80 cases of cervical cancer patients were treated
with a solution of Zedoania, which was injected directly into the
tumor sites. 30 patients were completely cured, while 15 were
found to have a 50% size reduction.

• Common Name: Rhubarb Root and Rhizome
Chinese Name: Da Huang
Latin: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
Family: Polygonaceae
Antineoplastic Action(s): --Injected subcutaneously
had a killing effect on neoplastic granulomas in mice.
Inhibited growth of melanoma, breast tumor cells and
ascitic hepatic carcinoma in humans via the actions of
emodin and rhein, major constituents of Da Huang.

• Common Name: Red Clover
Latin: Flos Trifolium pratense
Family: Papilionaceae
--Red Clover contains isoflavone compounds, such as
genistein, which have weak estrogen properties. Various
laboratory studies show that these isoflavones may help
prevent and combat malignant tumors, especially of the
breast and prostate.

• Common Name: Pau D’Arco, Lapacho, Taheebo
Latin: Tabebuia impestiginosa
Family: Rubiaceae
--Lapachol and beta-lapachone (known collectively
as naphthaquinones) are two primary active
compounds in Pau D’Arco. These compounds have
anti-cancer/anti-tumor properties, although the
effective dosage is considered toxic; Pau D’Arco
is commonly used in the treatment of cancer in
Central and South America with good results.

• Common Name: Mistletoe
Latin: Viscum alba
Family: Loranthaceae
--Contains anti-tumor proteins, and has been shown by
current cancer research in Germany to have antineoplastic
activity.

• Common Name: Cleavers
Latin: Galium aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
--Cleavers is considered the best lymphatic tonic in the
western herbal pharmacopoeia, and is both alterative and
diuretic. It has a long tradition of use for tumor reduction
and lymphatic drainage, especially indicated when cancer
has nodal involvement.

• Common Name: Sweet Violet
Latin: Flos Viola odorata
Family: Violaceae
--Sweet Violet has a long tradition and reputation
as an anti-cancer herb, used especially as a
poultice for cancers of the skin. Current
scientific research has yet to bear out this
reputation in the clinical setting

Western Medicine
Combined With TCM
Cancer Treatments:

4 stages of
treatment:
1. attack cancer,
2.rebuild immune system,
3.attack cancer,
4.rebuild immune system.

Chemotherapy:
• Blood stasis and Toxic heat Always
Accompany Chemotherapy
• Between Chemo treatments the Vital Qi
must be rebuilt and nourished
• After Chemo -Tonify, nourish and rebuild
• for all 3 stages we MUST - tonify,
detoxify, poisoning (toxic herbs for
cancer), move stasis, eliminate
phlegm/damp

Before Chemo

tonify vital Qi (white blood cells) and
keep emotions calm and healthy
• Ba Zheng Tang Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi
Tang
• Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Gui Pi Tang
• Shi Quan Da Bu Tang

During Chemo

Treat side effects as well Blood stasis and
Toxic heat.
• Tao Hong Si Wu Tang + detoxify
herbs/formula
• Liang Xue Si Wu Tang + detoxify
herbs/formula
• Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang + detoxify
herbs/formula

After Chemo

Tonify, nourish and rebuild

Surgery
• (post surgery usually Spleen/Lung and
Qi/Blood Deficiency)
• Tonify before surgery
• Tonify after surgery
• for all stages we MUST - tonify, detoxify,
poisoning (toxic herbs for cancer), move
stasis, eliminate phlegm/damp

Radiation
• due to it's extreme heat it damages Qi, Yin and
Body Fluids
• Use Qi and Yin Tonics - Zheng Ye Tang Sheng Mai
San
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
• Depending on where the radiation is being
administered use guiding herbs.
• Upper jiao - nose eye symptoms lower jiao - lin
syndrome
• for all stages we MUST - tonify, detoxify,
poisoning (toxic herbs for cancer), move stasis,
eliminate phlegm/damp

Blatantly Plagiarized
from the following:
• http://www.lungcancer.org/
• http://acupuncture.com/
• http://www.umm.edu/
• http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/
• http://tcm.health-info.org/

Lung Cancer 101

More Related Content

What's hot

Viewers also liked

Similar to Lung Cancer 101

Lung Cancer 101