Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Manage Brain Tumors After Surgery?

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Brain Tumors

Hello, doctor.
My mother recently underwent surgery for a brain tumor.
After the surgery, I wanted to use traditional Chinese medicine to help her recover, so I took her to a Chinese medicine practitioner for pulse diagnosis.
My mother's tumor is a vestibular schwannoma, which is benign.
In addition to the surgical procedure, she also received radiation therapy, but a significant portion of the tumor remains.
According to the neurosurgeon, some parts of the tumor have started to necrose due to the radiation.
However, post-surgery, even though the neurosurgeon stated that no nerves were affected, my mother is unable to move one side of her face and has no secretions (such as tears, sweat, or nasal mucus).
She has also experienced facial numbness since before the surgery, which has not improved afterward.
Given this situation, is it safe to use tonics? The Chinese medicine practitioner mentioned that my mother has a deficiency of Qi, so he prescribed some Qi-tonifying herbs and recommended that she take Cordyceps and Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao.
Are these beneficial for her? He suggested that because my mother has insufficient Qi, taking these tonics could help shrink the remaining tumor and improve her facial numbness and immobility.
Is this really the case? Will taking tonics cause the tumor to grow larger? I would appreciate your clarification on this matter.
Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/08/10

Dr. Ma Yishi reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello, Xiao Yu.
The diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors is not an easy task; it requires the collaboration of a professional team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
I believe that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine is a good option.
However, the underlying causes of clinical issues are often quite complex, and the disease course can change at any time.

In simple terms, TCM diagnoses all diseases based on the concepts of yin and yang, cold and heat, deficiency and excess, as well as interior and exterior conditions.
Therefore, it is essential to determine whether the patient is suitable for tonification at that moment.
Should we first attack the pathogenic factors or tonify the deficiency? Is it necessary to tonify yin or yang? Should we focus on replenishing qi or blood? Is the goal to completely eliminate the condition or to coexist peacefully with it? Questions regarding the necessity of using substances like Cordyceps or Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao cannot be answered simply or uniformly; they require a qualified TCM practitioner’s clinical diagnosis to make the best judgment.
I hope this response is helpful to you, and I wish your mother a speedy recovery.

Dr.
Ma Yi-Shih, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2011/08/10

More Info

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients recovering from brain tumor surgery, but it is essential to approach this treatment modality with caution and under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. In your mother's case, she has undergone surgery for a benign acoustic neuroma and has received radiation therapy, which complicates her recovery due to residual tumor tissue and neurological symptoms.

Firstly, it is important to understand that TCM operates on a different paradigm than Western medicine. TCM emphasizes the balance of "Qi" (vital energy), "Yin" and "Yang," and the harmony of bodily functions. The practitioner you consulted has identified your mother as having "Qi deficiency," which is a common diagnosis in TCM for patients who have undergone significant medical interventions like surgery and radiation. The recommendation for Qi tonics, such as Cordyceps (冬蟲夏草) and Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao (龜鹿二仙膠), is based on the belief that these substances can help restore energy and improve overall vitality.

Cordyceps is a well-known adaptogen in TCM, believed to enhance energy levels, improve immune function, and support recovery from fatigue. It may also have some anti-tumor properties, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in clinical settings. Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao is a tonic that combines deer antler and turtle shell, traditionally used to nourish the body and support recovery from weakness. While these remedies may provide some benefits, they should not be viewed as a replacement for conventional medical treatments.

Regarding the concern that taking Qi tonics could potentially stimulate tumor growth, this is a valid point to consider. While TCM practitioners often believe that strengthening the body's Qi can help combat disease, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, especially in the context of active tumors. It is crucial to have ongoing communication with your mother's oncologist or neurologist to ensure that any complementary therapies do not interfere with her primary treatment plan.

In terms of the neurological symptoms your mother is experiencing, such as facial paralysis and lack of secretions, these may be related to nerve damage or dysfunction resulting from the surgery or radiation. TCM may offer supportive therapies, such as acupuncture, which has been shown in some studies to help alleviate pain and improve nerve function. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from person to person, and it should be performed by a licensed acupuncturist with experience in treating post-surgical patients.

In conclusion, while TCM can provide supportive care for your mother after her brain tumor surgery, it is essential to approach this treatment with caution. Ensure that any TCM practitioner you consult is aware of her medical history and current treatments. It is also advisable to maintain regular follow-ups with her medical team to monitor her condition and adjust her treatment plan as necessary. Combining TCM with conventional medicine can be beneficial, but it should always be done in a coordinated manner to ensure the best possible outcomes for her health and recovery.

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