51 Cases of Gastric Cancer Treated by the Turbidity Descending and Stasis Resolving Method

Of the 51 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer by gastroscopy and pathological examination), 6 had undergone surgery. The site of the cancer included the cardia (22 cases), fundus (4), stomach body (13), lesser curvature (5) and pyloric antrum (17) and the course of the disease averaged 5 months. 3 cases had secondary carcinomas in the oesophagus and 1 in the liver. All were out-patients. The therapeutic approach was to reduce turbid phlegm and to resolve blood stasis, and the basic prescription given was as follows: Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis) 30g, Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae) 15g, Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) 9g, Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Capillaris) 15g, Ji Nei Jin (Endithelium Corneum Gigeraiae Galli) 12g, Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae) 9g, Wu Ling Zhi (Excrementum Trogopterori seu Pteromi) 15g, San Leng (Rhizoma Sparganii) 12g, Bai Jiang Cao (Herba cum Radice Patriniae) 30g, Xian He Cao (Herba Agrimoniae Pilosae) 30g, San Qi (Radix Pseudoginseng) 4g (2g each time mixed with water). In cases of abdominal fullness, Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis) 9g and Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) 12g were added. In cases of back pain, Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae Littoralis) 30g was added. In cases of intercostal or subcostal pain, Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo) 12g and Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi) 12g were added. In cases of heartburn, Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci Mongolici cum Radice) 30g was added. In cases of choking swallowing, Wei Ling Xian (Radix Clemetidis Chinensis) 20g and Zhe Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii) 12g were added. In cases of belching, Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei) 20g was added. In cases of constipation, Qing Dai (Indigo Pulverata Levis) 6g and Lu Hui (Herba Aloes) 1g were added. In cases of general weakness, Shi Hu (Herba Dendrobii) 15g and Han Lian Cao (Herba Ecliptae Prostratae) 15g were added. Patients were additionally prescribed Mo Luo pills and Zi Jin tablets. After one month of treatment, the following symptoms showed cure or improvement: abdominal fullness (81.4% of cases), stomach pain (87.2%), poor appetite and belching (72.5%), vomiting and difficulty in swallowing (81.8%), poor spirit and weakness (62.2%), epigastric masses (15%). The 6 post-operative cases were treated for 6 months and follow-up showed 5- year survival. 2 detailed illustrative cases are given as well as a lengthy theoretical discussion.

JTCM December 1995