Proven Lung Cancer Formula — National Master TCM Practitioner Deng Tietao
7. Proven Lung Cancer Formula — National Master TCM Practitioner Deng Tietao
Deng Tietao, first cohort National Master of TCM, lifetime professor and doctoral supervisor at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.
Pathomechanism
The basic pathomechanism of lung cancer is root qi-yin dual deficiency with branch heat-toxin, phlegm, and stasis obstructing the lungs. When healthy qi is insufficient, lung qi and lung yin are first damaged; exterior defense is unstable; pathogenic toxins enter through the vulnerability and accumulate in the lungs. Prolonged toxin retention refines body fluids into phlegm; phlegm obstructs qi mechanism, impairs blood flow forming stasis; phlegm, stasis, and heat-toxin mutually bind in the lungs, forming masses over time. Chronic cough damages qi, hemoptysis damages yin, low-grade fever consumes fluids, creating a vicious cycle of root deficiency and branch excess.
Formula Composition
Composition: Adenophora 12g, Glehnia 12g, Codonopsis 10g, Ophiopogon (Daimaidong) 10g, Trichosanthes 10g, Raw Coix Seed 15g, Taimaiko (Shan Zigu) 12g, Cynanche 15g, Ruscus (Maozhao Cao) 20g, Cynanchum (Zhongjiefeng) 20g, Sparganium (Lou Lu) 15g, Agrimony 15g, Processed Silkworm 10g, Beehive (Lufengfang) 10g, Houttuynia 20g, Hedyotis (Baihua Sheshe Cao) 20g, Gouteng (Goushe Cao) 20g, Lycium Bark 15g
Efficacy: Tonifies qi and nourishes yin, clears heat and transforms phlegm, removes pathogens and supports anti-cancer
Primary Application: Lung cancer (pattern of heat-toxin, phlegm, and stasis obstructing the lungs, qi-yin dual damage)
| Herb Group | Herb Dosage | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Tonify Qi & Nourish Yin | Adenophora 12g, Glehnia 12g, Codonopsis 10g, Ophiopogon 10g, Trichosanthes 10g | Tonifies lung qi, nourishes lung yin, generates fluids and moistens dryness; supports healthy qi to drive pathogens outward |
| Clear Heat & Resolve Toxin | Hedyotis 20g, Gouteng 20g, Houttuynia 20g, Cynanchum 20g, Sparganium 15g | Clears and drains lung heat-toxin, supports anti-tumor and mass resolution, directly curbs pathogenic force |
| Transform Phlegm & Scatter Nodules | Taimaiko 12g, Cynanche 15g, Ruscus 20g, Processed Silkworm 10g, Beehive 10g | Transforms phlegm, scatters nodules, and reduces swelling; insect herbs search out collateral pathogens; resolves lung phlegm-stasis masses |
| Cool Blood & Reduce Steaming | Agrimony 15g, Lycium Bark 15g, Raw Coix Seed 15g | Agrimony stops bleeding and tonifies deficiency, Lycium Bark reduces deficiency heat, Coix Seed strengthens spleen, leaches dampness, and guides pathogens downward |
Anti-cancer herb doses in this formula are generally on the heavier side: Hedyotis, Gouteng, Houttuynia, and Cynanchum all up to 20g, Ruscus 20g, Cynanche 15g, reflecting Elder Deng’s characteristic of strong pathogen-removing dosing. Qi-tonifying yin-nourishing herb doses are lighter: Adenophora and Glehnia each 12g, Codonopsis 10g, taking their clearing tonification without cloying. Beehive and Processed Silkworm are insect herbs, searching out collateral pathogens, transforming phlegm and resolving toxins, especially suitable for lung cancer masses with deeply fixed phlegm-stasis. Raw Coix Seed both strengthens the spleen and leaches dampness, and can guide drugs downward, giving pathogens an outlet.
Modifications by Pattern
| Combined Pattern | Modification Herbs | Therapeutic Intent |
|---|---|---|
| Shortness of breath and panting | Add Perilla Seed 10g, Radish Seed 10g | Descend qi and transform phlegm, relieve distension and calm panting |
| Pleural effusion with fullness | Add Cnidium (Banzhilian) 15g, Lobelia 10g, Polyporus 15g | Drain the lungs and promote urination, expel fluid and reduce edema |
| Brain metastasis | Add Scorpion 6g, Centipede 2 pieces, Gecko 10g | Insect herb searching out, unblock collaterals and scatter nodules, guide drugs to the brain |
| Severe qi-yin dual deficiency | Add Ginseng 10g, Astragalus 20g, Cordyceps 3g | Greatly tonify original qi, benefit lungs and kidneys, consolidate the root and strengthen the source |
| Yin deficiency with fire exuberant | Add Asparagus 12g, Lily Bulb 15g, American Ginseng 6g (taken rapidly) | Nourish yin and clear fire, moisten the lungs and generate fluids |
| Heavy hemoptysis | Add Bletilla 10g, Notoginseng Powder 3g (taken in liquid) | Astringe and stop bleeding, invigorate blood and generate tissue |
| Phlegm-stasis chest pain | Add Corydalis 12g, Sandalwood 6g | Invigorate blood and move qi, resolve stasis and stop pain |
Summary
Deng Tietao’s lung cancer formula has eighteen herbs, simultaneously applying three methods: qi-tonifying yin-nourishing to support healthy qi, heat-clearing toxin-resolving for anti-cancer, phlegm-transforming nodule-scattering to remove pathogens. Suitable for lung cancer of the heat-toxin phlegm-stasis lung-obstructing, qi-yin dual damage type. Simultaneously attacking and tonifying: tonification does not assist the pathogen, attack does not damage healthy qi.
References:
[1] Wu Yusheng, Yang Haiyan. Professor Deng Tietao’s “Phlegm-Stasis Correlation Theory” Clinical Application in Tumor Diseases. Modern Hospital, 2005, 5(6):39-40
[2] Shang Huaihai, Cao Shihua, Feng Shangcai. Famous and Proven Formulas for Tumor Treatment. China TCM Press
[3] Deng Tietao. TCM Diagnostics. People’s Medical Publishing House
[4] Deng Tietao Medical Cases and Research. People’s Medical Publishing House