TEAM Dietary and Herbal Therapies for Cancer Patients

Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) provides significant support for cancer patients undergoing aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. A 2025 retrospective study illustrates how dietary therapy (DT) and herbal therapy (HT) manage side effects and improve quality of life. For instance, an 84-year-old patient recovered from severe immunotherapy side effects, gained weight, and healed ulcers using a warm, cooked diet and formulas like Sheng Mai San. Another case involving a 65-year-old with breast cancer demonstrated that Suan Zao Ren Tang could effectively resolve insomnia caused by endocrine therapy without interfering with conventional medications. TEAM focuses on tonifying qi and nourishing yin, contrasting with the tumor-eradication focus of Western oncology. Advanced research suggests these therapies work by modulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing the host microbiome. While integration is common in Asia, Western institutions are increasingly adopting TEAM through educational seminars and multidisciplinary clinics. Despite challenges like potential herb-drug interactions, TEAM offers a culturally sensitive, evidence-based adjunct that supports patient resilience and survivorship.