Damage to liver function
All types of radiotherapy and chemotherapy can damage the liver function. The hepatic cells can become inflamed, although the mechanism is not the same as in viral hepatitis. Radiation can cause swelling and detachment of the vascular endothelial cells and deposi-tion of fibrin in the vascular lumen, resulting in stenosis, obstruction and portal hyperten-sion, especially in the venous system. Disturbance of blood circulation in the liver prevents normal nourishment of the tissue and has the secondary effect of causing liver atrophy, necrosis, and destruction of the hepatic lobules.
Some anti-cancer drugs may induce hepatic cell necrosis and inflammation, and in the
long run lead to fatty degeneration, granuloma formation, eosinophil infiltration, and fibrosis. Methotrexate, chlorambucil and 6-mercaptopurine can cause toxic hepatitis and cholestasis. Cytarabine and nitrosourea may induce a temporary increase in transaminase. In addition, long-term use of methotrexate can result in liver fibrosis and eventually cir-rhosis, particularly after long-term administration of small doses or intravenous or hepatic arterial injection of a relatively large dose, which may extend the half-life of the drug in the peripheral blood. All these pathological changes will damage the liver function.
Etiology and pathology
Pathogenic Toxins, Heat and Dryness damage the Liver and impair its function of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi. Disharmony between the upward and downward movement of Qi leads to Liver Qi stagnation with symptoms such as distension in the hypochondrium and pain in the area of the liver. Enduring stagnation of Liver Qi will impair the Spleen’s transportation and transformation function and cause Spleen and Stomach Deficiency and internal generation of Damp-Heat with symptoms such as abdominal distension, diarrhea and fatigue. Liver Qi stagnation also may lead to the impairment of blood circulation, re-sulting in Blood stasis manifesting as a dark purple tongue body, sometimes with stasis marks, and a soot-black or somber facial complexion.
Clinical manifestations
In most cases, onset is acute and the course of the condition relatively short. Recovery generally takes place soon after suspension of drug administration, although recovery from radiation hepatitis is slower. Jaundice may occur in some patients, accompanied by nausea,
abdominal distension, diarrhea, fatigue, and pain in
the liver area. The tongue body is purple with stasis
marks or dark red; the pulse is wiry or wiry and
thready. In a minority of cases, severe symptoms
involving the digestive tract occur, including ascites
and hemorrhage, which can progress to hepatic
coma (hepatic encephalopathy) and finally death
due to liver failure. Laboratory examinations show abnormality of liver functions, such as transitory elevation of serum transaminase and an increase in
Pattern identification and
alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl
treatment principles QI STAGNATION General treatment methods Main symptoms and signs
Since the Liver stores the Blood and governs the
Pan in the area of the liver, and distension and dis-
smooth flow of Qi, the treatment of liver diseases
comfort in the hypochondrium. The tongue is
should be aimed at treating the Blood, especially in
normal and the pulse is wiry. If Qi stagnation
cases of damage to the liver function caused by transforms into Heat, the tongue body is red with a radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The main treatment
principles are emolliating the Liver, nourishing the Blood and regulating Qi, supported by clearing
Treatment principle Commonly used materia medica include
Soothe the Liver and relieve Depression, emolliate
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Prescription Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
CHAI HU SHU GAN SAN HE SI WU TANG Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)
Bupleurum Powder for Dredging the Liver Com-
bined With Four Agents Decoction, with modifica-
Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci cum Radice)
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Ji Nei Jin‡ (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli)
Jiang Huang (Rhizoma Curcumae Longae) 10g
Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae)
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 6g Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) 10g
Commonly used acupuncture points include Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi) 10g
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 10g
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) 15g
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae) 15g
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong) 6g
Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo) 10g
Chuan Lian Zi (Fructus Meliae Toosendan) 10g
Explanation
functional activities of Qi in the Upper, Middle
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) dredges the Liver and
and Lower Burners to invigorate the Blood and
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) clears Heat. SPLEEN DEFICIENCY Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi), Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) and Jiang Huang (Rhizoma
Main symptoms and signs
Curcumae Longae) move Qi and invigorate the
Lack of strength, abdominal distension, diarrhea,
and poor appetite. The tongue body is dark or pale
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Bai Shao
red with a greasy coating; the pulse is wiry and
(Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), Gan Cao (Radix
Glycyrrhizae), and Sheng Di Huang (Radix Reh-manniae Glutinosae) emolliate the Liver and
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong),
Treatment principle Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo) and
Fortify the Spleen and augment Qi, harmonize the
Chuan Lian Zi (Fructus Meliae Toosendan) in-
Prescription BU ZHONG YI QI TANG HE SI JUN ZI Modification TANG JIA JIAN
For Qi stagnation transforming into Heat, add Mu
Decoction for Supplementing the Middle Burner
Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) 10g and Zhi Zi
and Augmenting Qi Combined With Four Gentle-
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) 30g
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 15g
Treatment principle Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 6g
Soothe the Liver and relieve Depression, emolliate
the Liver and nourish the Blood, regulate Qi and
Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae) 15g
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 6g Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 10g
Points: BL-18 Ganshu, LR-3 Taichong, PC-6 Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos) 15g
Neiguan, LR-14 Qimen, CV-17 Danzhong, and
Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi) 6g, added 10 minutes
Technique: Use filiform needles and apply the Chao Ji Nei Jin‡ (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae
even method. Retain the needles for 20-30 minutes.
Galli, stir-fried) 10g Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata) 30g
Explanation Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Oppositae) 30g
x Combining BL-18 Ganshu and LR-14 Qimen,
the back-shu and front-mu points related to the
Explanation
Liver, with LR-3 Taichong, the yuan (source)
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction [Bai
point of the Liver channel, soothes the Liver,
Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae),
relieves Depression and nourishes the Blood.
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Fu Ling (Scle-
x PC-6 Neiguan loosens the chest and regulates
rotium Poriae Cocos), and Dang Shen (Radix
Codonopsitis Pilosulae)]), Huang Qi (Radix As-
x CV-17 Danzhong and CV-6 Qihai regulate the
tragali seu Hedysari) and Shan Yao (Rhizoma
Dioscoreae Oppositae) fortify the Spleen and
BLOOD STASIS
Main symptoms and signs: stabbing pain in the liver
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) uplifts Yang Qi.
area, a soot-black facial complexion, purple lips,
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Sha Ren
hepatomegaly, and dry and scaling skin. The tongue
(Fructus Amomi), Chao Ji Nei Jin‡ (Endothelium
body is dark red with stasis marks; the pulse is wiry
Corneum Gigeriae Galli, stir-fried), and Shen Qu
(Massa Fermentata) harmonize the Blood and nourish the Stomach.
Treatment principle Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) regulates
Dredge the Liver and regulate Qi, invigorate the
Modification
For severe diarrhea, add Wei Ge Gen (Radix Puer-
Prescription
ariae, roasted in fresh cinders) 30g, Mu Xiang*XIAO YAO SAN HE GE XIA ZHU YU TANG
(Radix Aucklandiae Lappae) 6g and Huang Lian
Free Wanderer Powder Combined With Decoction for Expelling from Blood Stasis from Below the
Treatment principle
Fortify the Spleen, augment Qi, harmonize the
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 10g
Stomach, supplement the Middle Jiao, and nourish
Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) 10g
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) 10g Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) 30g
Points: BL-20 Pishu, BL-21 Weishu, ST-36 Zusanli,
CV-12 Zhongwan, ST-25 Tianshu, and LR-13
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong) 6g
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) 10g
Technique: Use filiform needles and apply the re- Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii) 6g, infused separately
inforcing method. Retain the needles for 20-30
Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi) 10g
minutes. Select two or three points each time to
Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) 6g
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 6g Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) 10g
Explanation
x Combining BL-20 Pishu, BL-21 Weishu, LR-13
San Qi Fen (Pulvis Radicis Notoginseng) 6g, infused
Zhangmen and CV-12 Zhongwan, the back-shu
and front-mu points related to the Spleen and
Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo) 10g
Stomach, fortifies the Spleen and boosts the
Bie Jia* (Carapax Amydae Sinensis) 15g, decocted
Stomach, supplements Qi and nourishes the
for 30 minutes before adding the other ingredients
x ST-25 Tianshu, the front-mu point of the Large
Explanation
Intestine channel, regulates Qi, disperses disten-
Xiao Yao San (Free Wanderer Powder) dredges
the Liver and regulates Qi. Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
x ST-36 Zusanli is a key point for strengthening
(Decoction for Expelling Blood Stasis from
the body; it supplements the Middle Jiao and
Below the Diaphragm) invigorates the Blood
and disperses Blood stasis. When Qi and Blood
circulate smoothly and are in harmony, the
x CV-17 Danzhong regulates Qi to assist the
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi), Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Re-
DAMP-HEAT
ticulatae Viride), Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Re-ticulatae), and Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) dredge
Main symptoms and signs
Jaundice, accompanied by a bright yellow facial
Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), Bai Shao
complexion, abdominal distension and yellow urine.
(Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), Dang Gui (Radix
The tongue body is red with a yellow coating; the
Angelicae Sinensis), Dan Shen (Radix Salviae
Miltiorrhizae), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan
Treatment principle
Radicis), Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii), E
Clear Heat, benefit the movement of Dampness
Zhu (Rhizoma Curcumae), and San Qi Fen
(Pulvis Radicis Notoginseng) invigorate the Blood and dissipate Blood stasis.
Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo)
Prescription YIN CHEN HAO TANG JIA JIAN Bie Jia* (Carapax Amydae Sinensis) softens
Oriental Wormwood Decoction, with modifications
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) regulates and
Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) 30g
harmonizes the properties of the other ingre-
Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis) 10g
Note: Bie Jia* (Carapax Amydae Sinensis) may be Jiang Huang (Rhizoma Curcumae Longae) 10g
replaced by Jiang Can‡ (Bombyx Batryticatus) 10g or
Jin Qian Cao (Herba Lysimachiae) 30g
Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis) 15g.
Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) 10g Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 10g Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 6g
Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis) 10g, wrapped
Treatment principle Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) 10g
Dredge the Liver and regulate Qi, invigorate the
Da Fu Pi (Pericarpium Arecae Catechu) 10g
Explanation Points: BL-18 Ganshu, BL-17 Geshu, LR-14 Qimen, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, LR-3 Taichong, and CV-17 Dan- Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis) and Jin Qian Cao (Herba Lysimachiae) clear Heat, benefit the
Technique: Use filiform needles and apply the
movement of Dampness and abate jaundice.
even method. Retain the needles for 20-30 minutes.
Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) and Jiang Huang (Rhi-
Apply cupping therapy over needles at the back-shu
zoma Curcumae Longae) invigorate the Blood
Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) and Mu Dan PiExplanation
(Cortex Moutan Radicis) clear Heat and cool
Taichong soothe the Liver and regulate Qi.
Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis) and Da Fu Pi
x BL-17 Geshu and SP-6 Sanyinjiao invigorate
(Pericarpium Arecae Catechu) drain Heat and
Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) clears Heat
Prescription DANG GUI LIU HUANG TANG JIA JIAN Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) regulates and
Chinese Angelica Root Six Yellows Decoction, with
harmonizes the properties of the other ingre-
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 10g Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae) 15g
Modification Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Con-
For pain in the liver area, add Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma
Corydalis Yanhusuo) 10g and Chuan Lian Zi (Fruc-
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) 10g
Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) 6g Huang Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) 15g
Xiao Hui Xiang (Fructus Foeniculi Vulgaris) 6g Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) 10g
Treatment principle
Clear Heat, benefit the movement of Dampness
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) 15g
Points: BL-19 Danshu, BL-20 Pishu, SP-9 Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci cum Radice) 30g
Yinlingquan, GB-34 Yanglingquan, CV-3 Zhongji,
Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae) 15g
Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae) 30g
Technique: Use filiform needles and apply the reducing method. Retain the needles for 20-30 min- Explanation Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae) and Shu Explanation Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Con-
x BL-18 Ganshu, BL-19 Danshu, GB-34 Yang-
quita) emolliate the Liver and nourish the
lingquan, and GB-40 Qiuxu dredge the Liver
and abate jaundice by promoting the flow of
Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) and Chai Hu (Radix
Bupleuri) dredge the Liver and regulate Qi.
x BL-20 Pishu, SP-9 Yinlingquan and CV-3
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis),
Zhongji clear Heat and benefit the movement
Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri), Pu Gong Ying
(Herba Taraxaci cum Radice), and Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae) clear Heat and relieve Toxicity.
ASYMPTOMATIC INCREASE IN Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) invigo-
TRANSAMINASE LEVELS Main symptoms and signs: none obvious. Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae) and Huang Qi(Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) augment Qi and constrain Yin.
Xiao Hui Xiang (Fructus Foeniculi Vulgaris)
Treatment principle
Emolliate the Liver and nourish the Blood, clear
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) regulates and har-
monizes the properties of the other ingredients.
Experimental studies
A, B and C contained in Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae) limited the increase in ALT in-duced by liver damage during in vitro trials.50
EFFECT ON LIVER FUNCTION
Modern pharmacological studies indicate that a
EFFECT ON GALLBLADDER FUNCTION
number of Chinese materia medica are very effec-
Certain Chinese materia medica are also effective in
tive in protecting the liver function by inhibiting an
normalizing the function of the Gallbladder.
increase in transaminases and preventing a decrease
San Ke Zhen (Radix Berberidis) reduces tension
in the gallbladder, limits the number of contrac-
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) inhibits alanine
tions and increases the volume of bile flow51
transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase
Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) increases the
volume of bile flow, strengthens contractility of
Long Dan Cao (Radix Gentianae Scabrae) pre-
the gallbladder and raises the amount of bile
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Long Dan Cao (Radix Gentianae Scabrae) in-
prevents a decrease in hepatic glycogen and in-
creases the volume of bile flow and improves
hibits an increase in transaminases and lactic
Jin Qian Cao (Herba Lysimachiae) increases the
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
volume of bile flow, enhances the secretion of
prevents a decrease in hepatic glycogen37
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) prevents a
Ban Bian Lian (Herba Lobeliae Chinensis cum
decrease in hepatic glycogen and protects
Radice) increases the volume of bile flow54
x Hu Zhang (Radix et Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati)
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae) re-
enhances the secretion of bile and reduces ten-
duces ALT and enhances recovery of hepatic
Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae) enhances the se-
Ling Zhi (Ganoderma) reduces ALT40
Bai Jiang Cao (Herba Patriniae cum Radice) in-
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) en-
Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) re-duces ALT, AST and serum bilirubin42
Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos) reduces
Clinical observation reports Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) reduces
SUPPORTING VITAL QI AND DISPELLING BLOOD STASIS Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) increases secretion of bile and reduces ALT45
Zhou et al. reported on application of the principle Huang Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) reduces
of supporting Vital Qi (Zheng Qi) and dispelling
Blood stasis in treating liver damage due to chemo-
Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci cum Radice) re-
Group: 30 patients, 22 male and 8 female, aged Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis) reduces
from 29 to 70 (mean age: 48); there were 8 patients
with cancer of the cardia, 6 with stomach cancer, 4
Nü Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi) prevents a
with lung cancer, 4 with breast cancer, 3 with
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 2 with esophageal cancer, and
x In addition, the deoxyschizandrin and gomisin
one each with cancer of the rectum, osteosarcoma,
and seminoma. Liver damage was evident from the
One bag per day was used to prepare a decoction,
very high level of alanine transaminase (ALT) and
the higher-than-normal levels of alkaline phos-phatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
x Pronounced improvement (symptoms disap-
Main symptoms: low spirits, a lusterless facial
peared and ALT returned to normal after taking
complexion, fatigued limbs, no pleasure in eating, a
the decoction for 2-4 weeks) in 23 cases.
pale tongue with purple margins or stasis marks and
x Some improvement (symptoms disappeared
a thin white coating, and a wiry and thready pulse.
and ALT returned to normal after taking the decoction for 4-8 weeks) in 3 cases.
Empirical prescription ingredients
x No improvement (little or no change in symp-
toms and ALT after taking the decoction for 8
Zhi Huang Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari, mix-
The average value of ALT before treatment was
Chao Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae, stir-
153.57 IU/L; this was reduced to 43.7 IU/L after
treatment (t = 3.63, P<0.01). Chao Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, stir-fried) 9g
Discussion Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos) 9g
The authors consider that malignant tumors repre-
Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Oppositae) 12g
sent a pattern of Vital Qi (Zheng Qi) Deficiency
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 5g
and invasion of pathogenic factors. Chemothera-
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 9g
peutic agents are considered as Toxins in TCM and
Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) 9g
long-term use causes pathogenic Toxins to accu-
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong) 5g
mulate in the Liver resulting in the Liver failing to
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) 30g
ensure the smooth flow of Qi, the functional activi-
ties of Qi being obstructed, and Blood not flowing
Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii) 6g
freely in the vessels, eventually leading to Blood
Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) 30g
stasis and Toxins fighting and binding, and subse-quently to damage to the Liver. The treatment prin-
Modifications
ciple should therefore focus on supporting Vital Qi
1. For stomach distension, Zhi Huang Qi (Radix
Astragali seu Hedysari, mix-fried with honey) was removed and Mu Xiang* (Radix Aucklandiae
Explanation of prescription
Lappae) 5g, Chao Zhi Ke (Fructus Citri Aurantii,
Zhi Huang Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari,
stir-fried) 6g and Zhi Ji Nei Jin‡ (Endothelium
mix-fried with honey), Chao Dang Shen (Radix
Corneum Gigeriae Galli, mix-fried) 4g were
Codonopsitis Pilosulae, stir-fried), Chao Bai Zhu
(Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, stir-
2. For loose stools, Wei Mu Xiang* (Radix Auck-
fried), Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos), Shan
landiae Lappae, roasted in fresh cinders) 9g and
Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Oppositae), and Chen Wei Rou Dou Kou (Semen Myristicae Fragrantis,
Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) augment Qi
roasted in fresh cinders) 6g were added.
and fortify the Spleen to support Vital Qi
3. For severe pain in the hypochondrium, Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo) 9g was added.
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chi Shao
4. For jaundice, Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae
(Radix Paeoniae Rubra), Dan Shen (Radix Salviae
Scopariae) 15g, Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis
Miltiorrhizae), Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae), Chuan
Orientalis) 9g and Che Qian Zi (Semen Plan-
Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), and
Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii) invigorate
the Blood and dispel Blood stasis; once Blood
variously with fever due to extensive necrosis of
stasis is removed, new Blood can be generated.
cancerous liver tissue and absorption of the tumor,
x Large doses of Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis
pain in the area of the liver, vomiting, and gastro-
Standard treatment of these symptoms with
LIVER DAMAGE
Western drugs was adopted for patients in both groups as and when symptoms arose:
Ye et al. reported on the clinical observation of
x For patients with a temperature higher than
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Jia Jian (Minor Bupleurum De-
38.5°C, 25mg of indomethacin was adminis-
coction, with modifications) in the treatment of
tered orally one to three times a day, accompa-
liver damage caused by the Lp-TAE (Lipiodol-
nied by intravenous injection of 5-10mg of
transcatheter arterial embolization) method of
dexamethasone, once every two or three days,
Background
x Patients with vomiting were given 10-20mg of
From 1988 to 1998, the authors treated 300 patients
metoclopramide orally three times a day until
with liver damage after treatment for liver cancer by
the Lp-TAE method. These patients were diag-
x Patients with pain were given 30-90mg of Hy-
nosed with primary liver cancer by B ultrasound, CT,
drochloride Bucinnazine, once every 4-6 hours,
MRI and AFP investigations, and indices of hepatic
and intravenous injection of 50mg of mepe-
ridine hydrochloride, with frequency depending
: The authors divided the patients randomly
into two groups according to the order of admis-
x To prevent hemorrhage in the digestive tract, all
patients were given 10mg of aluminum hydrox-
x 150 patients, 143 male and 7 female, aged from
ide gel, three times a day, and intravenous injec-
28 to 73 (mean age: 55), were placed in the
tion of 0.4g of cimetidine, twice a day.
TCM treatment group; the diameter of the
In addition, the TCM treatment group was given
cancer ranged from 10 cm to 21 cm in this
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Jia Jian (Minor Bupleurum De-
x 150 patients, 145 male and 5 female, aged from
18 to 74 (mean age: 58), were placed in a com-
Ingredients
parison group; the diameter of the cancer
Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae) 12g
ranged from 10 cm to 19 cm in this group.
Treatment method for liver cancer (Lp-TAE Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) 12g
Fa Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae Prae-
The Seldinger technique was adopted, by percuta-
neous femoral artery catheterization with infusion
Xian He Cao (Herba Agrimoniae Pilosae) 12g
into the bilateral liver arteries of 3-20ml of Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) 20g ultra-liquid iodized oil, 50-70mg/m2 of doxorubicin, Bie Jia* (Carapax Amydae Sinensis) 30g 10-14mg/m2 of mitomycin and embolism of liver
Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae) 30g
arteries by small pieces of gelfoam (cut as 1/6 of a
piece of gelating sponge). Patients were treated 3.5
San Qi Fen (Pulvis Radicis Notoginseng) 3g, infused
times on average (range one to eight times) with
one to six months’ interval between courses.
Treatment of side-effects Modifications
After the Lp-TAE treatment, patients manifested
1. For damage to Yin due to severe fever, Di Gu Pi
(Cortex Lycii Radicis) and Wu Wei Zi (Fructus
7. For Damp-Heat accumulating and steaming,
Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Yin Chen Hao
2. For exuberant Heat, Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae
(Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), Yi Yi Ren (Semen
Jasminoidis), Shi Gao‡ (Gypsum Fibrosum), Da
Coicis Lachryma-jobi), and Jin Qian Cao (Herba
Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), and Hu Zhang
(Radix et Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati) were
8. For severe pain, Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis
3. For Blood stasis due to binding of Heat, Tao
9. For severe vomiting, Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae),
Ren (Semen Persicae) and Quan Xie‡ (Buthus
Dai Zhe Shi‡ (Haematitum) and Zhu Ru (Caulis
4. For Blood depletion and Qi Deficiency, Huang
Patients started taking the decoction on the third
Qi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) and Ji Xue
day after the start of the Lp-TAE treatment. One
Teng (Caulis Spatholobi) were added.
bag per day was used to prepare a decoction by
5. For Wind stirring due to exuberant Heat, Ling
adding to 1000ml of water and boiling down to
Yang Jiao‡ (Cornu Antelopis) and Gou Teng (Ra-
500ml of liquid, taken in equal portions twice a day.
TCM treatment continued for two weeks. As with
6. For mental confusion and delirious speech, An
the comparison group, treatment with the Western
Gong Niu Huang Wan (Peaceful Palace Bovine
drugs detailed above was given should any symp-
Table 4-2 (1) Appearance of side-effects Table 4-2 (2) Pain in the liver area
§ Pain graded according to WHO criteria. Note: By day 7, there was a significant difference between the two groups, P<0.05 (t test used for statistical purposes).
Conclusion
treated by Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum
The authors observed that, after treatment of liver
cancer patients with the Lp-TAE regime, symptoms
The observation indicated that the TCM treat-
such as fever, vomiting, poor appetite, and pain in
ment group fared significantly better than the com-
liver area appearing within the period of observa-
parison group in terms of improvement in fever,
tion generally correspond to the main symptoms
vomiting, poor appetite, and pain in the liver area.
The average recovery time in the TCM treatment
enabling patients in that group to start the next
group was less than in the comparison group, thus course earlier.
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