Global Health 2026-05-04 19:30

China Advances Integrative Cancer Care: TCM and Western Medicine Unite

China is promoting the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medicine in cancer care. Clinical studies show that combining TCM with Western medicine reduces postoperative recurrence and metastasis rates for non-small cell lung cancer by 6% and extends median survival by 3.47 months. TCM plays a role throughout the cancer journey—from prevention to recovery.

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China Advances Integrative Cancer Care: TCM and Western Medicine Unite

From 'Seeds and Soil' to Comprehensive Cancer Care

Hou Wei, director of the Oncology Department at Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, chose to treat cancer with TCM over four decades ago. Now, he firmly believes in TCM's indispensable role in cancer care.

Hou uses a 'seed and soil' analogy to illustrate the relationship between Western medicine and TCM: Western medicine targets the tumor directly (removing seeds), while TCM strengthens the body's constitution (improving soil). 'Combining both approaches is key to effective cancer prevention and control,' he says.

Clinical Data Confirms: Integrative Therapy Boosts Outcomes

Clinical studies provide strong evidence for this integrated model:

  • For patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the combination of TCM and Western medicine reduced the two-year postoperative recurrence and metastasis rate by 6 percentage points compared to Western medicine alone.
  • The median survival time for patients with advanced NSCLC was extended by 3.47 months.

These numbers translate into meaningful improvements in patients' quality of life.

TCM's Role Across the Cancer Journey

According to Hou, TCM can be effective in three stages: prevention, treatment, and recovery.

  • Prevention: Based on the TCM principle of 'preventive treatment,' practitioners identify individual body types and recommend herbal therapies and lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk.
  • Treatment: For example, herbs like Huangqi (astragalus) and American ginseng can ease symptoms such as shortness of breath and persistent cough in elderly lung cancer patients after partial lung resection. The new drug 'Jianpi Yishen Granules,' developed at Guang'anmen Hospital, alleviates side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy while boosting the immune system.
  • Recovery: Integrating herbal remedies, psychological support, acupuncture, acupressure, and Tai Chi with Western medicine can improve patients' overall health.

'No matter what methods we adopt, the ultimate goal is to provide the best possible care for each patient,' Hou notes.

Policy Support and Future Directions

In 2023, Chinese authorities issued guidelines for cancer prevention and control, advocating the establishment of an integrative cancer care network combining TCM and Western medicine. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the country has vowed to promote the preservation and innovative development of TCM and its integrated application with Western medicine.

Hou sees a clear next step: training more practitioners skilled in both systems. 'Just as my mentors guided me,' he says, 'I hope to train the next generation for this cause.'