Traditional Chinese Medicine Models and Epidemiological Approaches in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Progression

摘要

The goal of this pilot study is to integrate traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) to address breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and progression. It has been recognized that the heterogeneity of breast tumors makes treatment and prognosis debatable. TCM is based on the principle that illness is caused by an imbalance of chi, imbalance of yin and yang, or the deficiencies of dampness and dryness. In addition to a measurement of pulse and an inspection of the tongue, inquiries are made as to diet, exercise, meditation, sleep and environment. The TCM practitioner then arrives at a pattern-specific diagnosis. A total of 30 women with breast cancer were enrolled in the study and examined by the certified TCM practitioner at the Osher Center of Integrative Medicine of UCSF. Additional questions related to demographic, reproductive, family history, and lifestyle, were asked by the research nurse. Additionally pulses were measured using sphygmography and digital photography were performed to take tongue pictures. TCM data analyses classify TCM patterns into four distinct categories. We present data on the relationship between TCM patterns, predicting variables and breast cancer stages. Extending to larger sample, and a short and long-term follow-up on recurrence and survival are our future plans.