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Personalized Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology: Bridging the Macro State with Micro Targets
Jingmin Ji1,2, Qing Wen1,2, Yuerufei Yu1,2
1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
Abstract:
Cancer continues to pose significant challenges to global health systems due to its substantial disease burden and complex pathogenesis, and current therapies often demonstrate unsatisfactory outcomes. The inherent problems of tumor heterogeneity and individual variability lead to diverse responses to identical interventions, and result in uncertainty in treatment outcomes. Concomitant factors such as stress, mental health and diet also collectively impact patients' overall health, and thereby affect cancer progression in turn. Therefore, the comprehensive evaluation of patients' multidimensional profiles and the implementation of personalized treatments is imperative. This integrated approach not only enhances prognostic outcomes, but also improves quality of life. As a complementary therapeutic option, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has good efficacy in symptom alleviation and quality-of-life improvement. This holistic approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human physiological systems and their harmonious balance with the external environment. TCM interventions are tailored to individual clinical manifestations, which enables the development of personalized treatment regimens. This review elucidates the clinical applications of TCM in individualized cancer treatment, and delineates its strategic framework for oncology management. It incorporates the innovative concept of "State-target differentiation and treatment" (Bianzheng Lunzhi) proposed by academician Tong Xiaolin, which integrates macro and micro perspectives into the diagnostic and therapeutic framework. The aim of this review is to advance evidence-based TCM approaches for the treatment of malignant tumors, and provide a more scientific and systematic methodology for individualized cancer treatment in TCM.
Insights
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers personalized cancer treatment by considering individual patient profiles and holistic health. This approach aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Cancer presents significant global health challenges due to complex pathogenesis and tumor heterogeneity.
- Current cancer therapies often yield unsatisfactory outcomes due to individual variability and diverse treatment responses.
- Multidimensional patient factors, including stress, mental health, and diet, influence cancer progression and treatment effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in individualized cancer treatment.
- To delineate a strategic framework for oncology management using TCM principles.
- To advance evidence-based TCM approaches for malignant tumors, integrating the concept of "State-target differentiation and treatment" (Bianzheng Lunzhi).
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical applications and strategic frameworks of TCM in individualized cancer treatment.
- Integration of the "State-target differentiation and treatment" (Bianzheng Lunzhi) concept.
- Focus on holistic and personalized approaches in oncology management.
Main Results:
- TCM demonstrates efficacy in symptom alleviation and improving quality of life as a complementary therapy.
- Individualized TCM interventions, tailored to specific clinical manifestations, enhance treatment personalization.
- The "State-target differentiation and treatment" framework offers a systematic methodology for TCM-based cancer care.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment are imperative for improving cancer prognostic outcomes and quality of life.
- TCM provides a holistic, individualized therapeutic option for cancer management.
- Evidence-based TCM, utilizing systematic frameworks like "State-target differentiation and treatment," offers a scientific approach to personalized cancer therapy.
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