How Traditional Chinese Medicine May Help Improve Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

 Tiejun Tang

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The most common type is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In recent years, major progress has been made in the treatment of NSCLC through targeted therapy. These medicines are designed to block specific genetic changes that help cancer cells grow.

One of the most important targets is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Many patients with NSCLC have mutations in this gene. Drugs that block EGFR can slow the growth of cancer cells and significantly improve outcomes for these patients.

Common EGFR-targeted drugs include: Gefitinib, Erlotinib, Osimertinib

These medications have greatly improved treatment results. However, there are still important challenges.

Most patients eventually develop drug resistance, meaning the cancer begins to grow again despite treatment. This usually happens after 8–16 months of therapy ^[1]. In addition, some patients experience treatment-related side effects. Because of these limitations, researchers are exploring new strategies to improve treatment outcomes. One promising approach is the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern targeted therapy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for thousands of years and includes treatments such as:

Chinese herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Dietary therapy, Lifestyle regulation.  Unlike many modern drugs that act on a single biological target, Chinese herbal formulas contain multiple active compounds that can influence several biological pathways at the same time.

Because of this multi-target effect, researchers believe that TCM may help:

• enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments
• reduce treatment side effects
• support immune function
• improve overall quality of life

In recent years, increasing scientific research has begun to explore how TCM may work together with targeted cancer therapies ^[2,3].

How Chinese Herbal Medicine May Support Targeted Therapy

Researchers have identified several possible mechanisms through which Chinese herbal medicine may enhance the effects of EGFR-targeted therapy.

1. Improving the Sensitivity of Cancer Cells to Targeted Drugs

Some natural compounds appear to make cancer cells more sensitive to targeted therapy.

For example, studies have shown that shikonin, a compound derived from traditional medicinal plants, may enhance the anti-tumor effect of Gefitinib. Laboratory studies suggest that it works by blocking key cancer growth signals inside the cell ^[4].

2. Blocking Additional Cancer Growth Pathways

Cancer cells often use multiple signaling pathways to survive. Some herbal compounds may help block these pathways.

One well-known compound is curcumin, a natural substance found in turmeric. Research suggests that curcumin can:

• slow cancer cell growth
• promote cancer cell death
• reduce activation of EGFR signaling
• reduce certain digestive side effects associated with targeted therapy ^[5]

Another compound, Astragaloside IV, extracted from the traditional herb Astragalus (Huangqi), has also demonstrated anti-cancer activity in laboratory studies. It appears to slow the growth and spread of lung cancer cells and promote cancer cell death through specific cellular pathways ^[6].

A further natural compound, resveratrol, derived from Polygonum cuspidatum (Huzhang), has also shown anti-tumor effects in lung cancer cells by influencing proteins involved in cell survival and apoptosis ^[7].

3. Supporting the Immune System

Cancer develops within a complex biological environment known as the tumor microenvironment. This environment includes immune cells, signaling molecules, and surrounding tissues that interact with cancer cells.

Some Chinese herbal formulas may influence this environment and help regulate immune responses.

For example, a traditional formula known as Fei Liu Ping has been shown in experimental studies to affect immune regulation within tumors. Research suggests it may reduce certain immune cells that suppress anti-tumor immunity, potentially helping the body better fight cancer ^[8].

Clinical Evidence for Combining TCM with Targeted Therapy

In addition to laboratory research, several clinical studies have examined whether Chinese medicine can improve outcomes when used alongside EGFR-targeted therapy.

One large randomized clinical trial involving 354 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma compared two groups:

• patients receiving EGFR-targeted therapy plus Chinese herbal medicine
• patients receiving EGFR-targeted therapy plus placebo

The study found that patients who received herbal treatment experienced:

• longer progression-free survival (their cancer remained stable for longer)
• higher treatment response rates
• better quality of life
• fewer mild treatment-related side effects ^[9]

Another analysis combining 13 clinical trials involving 899 patients found that several Chinese herbal injections used together with EGFR-targeted therapy improved treatment response rates compared with targeted therapy alone ^[10].

These findings suggest that integrative approaches may provide additional benefits for some patients.

Why Integrative Medicine May Be Beneficial

Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on restoring balance within the body and strengthening the body's resistance to disease.

When used alongside modern cancer treatments, TCM may help:

• support the immune system
• improve treatment tolerance
• reduce side effects
• enhance overall wellbeing

However, it is important to emphasize that TCM should not replace standard cancer treatments. Instead, it may be used as a complementary therapy under professional supervision.

The Need for Further Research

Although current research is encouraging, more high-quality studies are still needed.

Future research should focus on:

• identifying the most effective herbal formulas
• understanding how herbal compounds interact with targeted drugs
• establishing optimal integrative treatment protocols
• confirming long-term safety and effectiveness

Large, well-designed clinical trials will help clarify the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in modern cancer care.

Conclusion

Targeted therapies have significantly improved the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, particularly for patients with EGFR mutations. At the same time, growing evidence suggests that Traditional Chinese Medicine may enhance the effectiveness of these treatments while improving patient wellbeing.

Integrating carefully selected Chinese medicine therapies with modern targeted treatments may represent a promising approach for improving outcomes in patients with lung cancer.

Patients interested in this approach should always consult qualified healthcare professionals experienced in both oncology and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

References

1. Absenger G. Resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in mutated non-small cell lung cancer. MEMO. 2019;12:128-135.
2. Tang M, Wang S, Zhao B, et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine prolongs progression-free survival in EGFR-TKI treated NSCLC patients. Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:8430-8437.
3. Wang Y, Wu G, Li R, et al. Chinese medicine combined with EGFR-TKIs prolongs survival in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. Front Public Health. 2021;9:677862.
4. Tang J, Ren Y, Zhao J, et al. Shikonin enhances sensitization of gefitinib against NSCLC via inhibition of PKM2/STAT3/cyclin D1 pathway. Life Sci. 2018;204:71-77.
5. Lee J, Lee Y, Chang G, et al. Curcumin induces EGFR degradation and enhances gefitinib therapy. PLoS One. 2011;6:e23756.
6. Jia S, Lv D, Zhang S, et al. Astragaloside IV inhibits NSCLC progression through Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Oncol Res. 2019;27:503-508.
7. Wright C, Iyer A, Yakisich J, et al. Anti-tumorigenic effects of resveratrol in lung cancer cells. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2017;17:669-680.
8. Wang Z, Li M, Bi L, et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine in regulating tumor microenvironment. Onco Targets Ther. 2024;17:313-325.
9. Jiao L, Xu J, Sun J, et al. Chinese herbal medicine combined with EGFR-TKI in advanced lung adenocarcinoma: randomized controlled trial. Front Pharmacol. 2019;10:732.
10. Yuan J, Yan M, Wu T, et al. Chinese herbal injections combined with EGFR-TKIs for NSCLC: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2025;16:1670501.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Acupuncture: A Specialized Acupuncture Technique for Nasal Disorders

 Tiejun Tang   

Many patients suffer from chronic nasal problems or recurrent headaches that do not respond well to medication alone. In recent years, a special acupuncture technique called sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) acupuncture has attracted increasing attention because of its rapid and long-lasting effects in conditions such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and migraine.

This article explains what SPG acupuncture is, what conditions it is used for, how it works, and what patients should know before receiving this treatment.

What is the sphenopalatine ganglion?

The sphenopalatine ganglion is a small but very important nerve structure located deep in the face, behind the nasal cavity. It acts as a key “relay station” connecting:

• The trigeminal nerve (related to facial sensation and pain)
• The facial nerve
• The autonomic nervous system (which controls blood vessels, glands, and secretions)

Because of these connections, the sphenopalatine ganglion plays a major role in:

• Nasal congestion and nasal discharge
• Facial and head pain
• Autonomic symptoms such as tearing, nasal swelling, and pressure

Who developed SPG acupuncture?

SPG acupuncture was developed in China in the 1960s by Professor Li Xinwu, an ENT doctor in Tongren hospital Beijing.

He discovered that carefully stimulating the area of the sphenopalatine ganglion with acupuncture could significantly relieve nasal symptoms, especially in patients with chronic or allergic rhinitis.

In China, this acupuncture point is sometimes referred to as “Xinwu Point”, and it has been practiced and studied for decades.

What conditions can SPG acupuncture help with?

SPG acupuncture is mainly used for conditions involving the nose, face, and head, especially when symptoms are severe or persistent.

Common indications include:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Chronic rhinitis and sinusitis
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing

How is SPG acupuncture performed?

SPG acupuncture is different from regular body acupuncture.

General procedure:

• The patient is usually in a seated or lying position.
• A long, sterile acupuncture needle is gently inserted through the side of the face or nasal region, following a precise anatomical pathway.
• The needle is directed toward the area near the sphenopalatine ganglion.

What might the patient feel?

During the treatment, patients may experience:

• A deep pressure or aching sensation
• Temporary nasal fullness
• Increased nasal discharge or tearing

These sensations usually last a short time and are considered a normal response.

⚠️ Because this is a deep and highly specialized technique, it should only be performed by well-trained and experienced practitioners.

What are the clinical effects?

Clinical studies and long-term clinical experience have shown that SPG acupuncture may:

• Quickly reduce nasal congestion
• Decrease sneezing and runny nose
• Improve breathing through the nose
• Reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches
• Improve quality of life in patients with chronic nasal conditions

A 2020 RCT study showed that: In treating persistent allergic rhinitis, the sphenopalatine ganglion acupuncture group had a significantly higher overall effective rate after 4 weeks compared to the conventional acupuncture group (≈ 69.7% vs 44.4%) ^[1].

How does SPG acupuncture work?

From a modern medical perspective:

SPG acupuncture may work by:

• Regulating the autonomic nervous system^[2]
• Reducing excessive parasympathetic activity that causes nasal swelling and secretion^[2]
• Modulating pain pathways related to the trigeminal nerve ^[3]
• Influencing inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides involved in headache and rhinitis^[3]

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective:

In TCM theory, SPG acupuncture:

• Opens blocked pathways in the head and face
• Disperses pathogenic wind and clears heat
• Regulates Qi and Blood circulation in the nasal and facial region

These two explanations complement each other rather than conflict.

Is SPG acupuncture safe?

When performed correctly by trained professionals, SPG acupuncture is generally safe.

However, it is not suitable for everyone.

It may not be recommended for patients who:

• Have bleeding disorders
• Have active nasal infections
• Are extremely anxious or unable to cooperate
• Have severe nasal structural abnormalities

Minor side effects such as temporary discomfort or mild nasal bleeding may occur but are usually short-lived.

Conclusion:

SPG acupuncture is a specialized, targeted form of acupuncture that combines traditional knowledge with modern neuroanatomy.

For patients with stubborn nasal symptoms or certain types of headache, it can be an effective option—especially when conventional treatments provide limited relief.

If you are considering SPG acupuncture, always consult a qualified and experienced practitioner who can evaluate whether this technique is appropriate for your condition.

Reference:

1.     Jiao-Ping Mi. Efficacy of Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Persistent Allergic Rhinitis. Med Acupunct. 2020 Apr 1;32(2):90-98

2.     Kuiji Wang. Sphenopalatine Ganglion Acupuncture Improves Nasal Ventilation and Modulates Autonomic Nervous Activity in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Study. Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 18;6:29947. 

3.     Da Wen, Chunmei Li. Clinical studies on therapy of acupuncture on the sphenopalatine ganglion[J/OL]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Electronic Edition), 2022, 11(03): 113-115.

Mechanistic Effects of Acupuncture on Stem Cells

Tiejun Tang  

Stem cell therapy is a rapidly developing field in regenerative medicine. By harnessing the self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation capacities of stem cells, this approach aims to repair or replace damaged cells, tissues, and organs, ultimately restoring physiological function. Although stem cell–based treatments have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential across a wide range of diseases, their clinical application remains limited by high costs, technical complexity, and safety concerns.
In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the effects of acupuncture on stem cell activity. Rather than relying on exogenous stem cell transplantation, acupuncture appears to regulate endogenous stem cells, thereby promoting tissue repair and functional recovery. Accumulating experimental and clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture can influence stem cell mobilization, proliferation, differentiation, homing, and survival through integrated neural, immune, endocrine, and microenvironmental mechanisms ^[1].
This article reviews current research on the mechanisms by which acupuncture modulates stem cell behavior, while also exploring these findings through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methodological challenges, limitations, and future directions for research and clinical translation are also discussed.
Introduction
Stem cells play a central role in tissue regeneration and physiological homeostasis due to their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell lineages. Modern regenerative medicine has increasingly shifted its focus from exogenous stem cell transplantation toward strategies that activate and regulate endogenous stem cells ^[2].
Acupuncture, a core therapeutic modality of traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat disorders of the nervous, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems, many of which involve tissue injury and repair ^[3]. Growing evidence indicates that acupuncture can modulate stem cell behavior at both local and systemic levels. Unlike pharmacological or genetic interventions, acupuncture acts through biophysical stimulation, activating neurovascular, immune, and endocrine networks, thereby optimizing the stem cell microenvironment and enhancing intrinsic regenerative capacity ^[1].
Types of Stem Cells Influenced by Acupuncture
1. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and other mesenchymal sources are the most extensively studied stem cells in acupuncture research. Experimental studies demonstrate that acupuncture can increase MSC proliferation, enhance paracrine activity, and promote differentiation toward osteogenic, chondrogenic, angiogenic, and neurotrophic lineages ^[1,4].
2. Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells (NSCs)
In models of stroke, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative disease, acupuncture has been shown to activate endogenous neural stem or progenitor cells, particularly in the subventricular zone and hippocampal dentate gyrus. These effects are associated with enhanced neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and improved neurological function ^[5,6].
3. Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) and Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs)
Acupuncture may facilitate the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow into peripheral circulation, contributing to immune regulation, angiogenesis, and tissue repair ^[1,7].
Mechanisms by Which Acupuncture Modulates Stem Cells
1. Increasing Stem Cell Numbers
Both animal experiments and clinical studies indicate that acupuncture can significantly increase the number of circulating stem and progenitor cells. Electroacupuncture has been shown to elevate mesenchymal stem cell counts in peripheral blood, accompanied by increased levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), which promotes stem cell migration and mobilization ^[4].
Acupuncture can also activate endogenous neural stem cells. When combined with stem cell transplantation, electroacupuncture demonstrates a synergistic effect, outperforming cell transplantation alone. This combined therapy enhances neurotrophic factor expression, promotes angiogenesis, inhibits apoptosis, and improves neurological recovery in cerebral ischemia models ^[5].
2. Improving the Survival of Transplanted Stem Cells
Both acupuncture and stem cell transplantation independently improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke. When used together, they significantly enhance the survival rate, homing efficiency, and functional differentiation of transplanted stem cells.
Transplanted stem cells primarily exert neuroprotective effects through paracrine signaling and immune regulation. Acupuncture, by contrast, improves the internal environment by stimulating endogenous neurogenesis, increasing cerebral blood flow, and upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ^[5].
3. Promoting Stem Cell Differentiation
In rat models of traumatic brain injury, acupuncture significantly increased the expression of nestin, neurofilament protein (NF-200), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These markers indicate enhanced proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and astrocytes, supporting functional neural repair ^[6]..
4. Enhancing Stem Cell Homing and Tissue Repair
Stem cell factor (SCF) plays a critical role in guiding stem cells to injured tissues. Studies of myocardial infarction demonstrate that electroacupuncture significantly increases SCF levels in both peripheral blood and myocardial tissue, promoting stem cell migration to ischemic regions and supporting myocardial regeneration. Early post-infarction acupuncture appears particularly effective in mobilizing endogenous stem cells and improving prognosis ^[7].
5. Regulating the Stem Cell Microenvironment
A key mechanism underlying the synergy between acupuncture and mesenchymal stem cell therapy is the regulation of the stem cell microenvironment. Acupuncture enhances growth factor secretion, upregulates SDF-1 expression in damaged tissues, and suppresses inflammatory signaling pathways. Both electroacupuncture and MSC therapy independently reduce NF-κB activation and decrease levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-α, creating conditions favorable for stem cell survival and tissue repair ^[8].
Discussion
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, stem cell activity may correspond to the concept of kidney essence (肾精), which governs growth, development, and regeneration^[9].  Acupuncture’s regulation of qi and blood aligns with modern concepts of energy metabolism, circulation, and cellular signaling, providing a conceptual bridge between traditional theory and contemporary stem cell biology.
Although current research employs in vivo injury models, in vitro stem cell culture with acupuncture-treated serum, and multi-omics approaches, challenges remain in acupoint specificity, dose–response relationships, and long-term stem cell tracking. Future studies should focus on standardized protocols, rigorous clinical trials, and integrative treatment strategies. As a low-risk and cost-effective intervention, acupuncture holds considerable promise for enhancing endogenous regeneration and supporting stem cell–based therapies.

 References

1. Hongyan Gao, Weijun Ding. Effect and mechanism of acupuncture on endogenous and exogenous stem cells in disease treatment: A therapeutic review.LifeSciences.Volume 331, 15 October 2023, 122031.
2. Ziwei Jiang et al. Bioactive Materials That Promote the Homing of Endogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Improve Wound Healing. Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 Jul 30;19:7751–7773.
3. Xiaoer Liu et al. Acupuncture accelerates wound healing via CGRP-RAMP1-TSP1-mediated macrophage M2 polarization. Chin Med. 2025 Nov 18;20:192.
4. Lizhen Liu et al. Electro-Acupuncture Promotes Endogenous Multipotential Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mobilization into the Peripheral Blood. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry (2016) 38 (4): 1605–1617. 
5. Huidong Jia et al.Combination of stem cell therapy and acupuncture to treat ischemic stroke: a prospective review. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2022 Mar 3;13:87
6. Yi-Min Zhang et al. Effect of acupuncture on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in brain tissues of rats with traumatic brain injury. Chin J Integr Med. 2013 Feb;19(2):132-6.
7. Yuan C. Y. et al. Comparative Study on Effects of Electroacupuncture at Different Time Points on Myocardial Protection and Stem Cell Factor Expression in Rats With Myocardial Infarction, Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2021; 28 (10) 70–74.
8. Wei-Gang Ma. Combining acupuncture and mesenchymal stem cell therapy offers promise as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.World J Stem Cells. 2025 Jul 26;17(7):105371.
9. Yan-Bo Ren et al. Shen-Jing as a Chinese Medicine Concept Might Be a Counterpart of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine. Chin J Integr Med. 2019 Jan;25(1):64-70.