"Kaidao San" for Advanced Esophageal Cancer with Dysphagia

The formula Kaidao San (Opening‑Dispersing Powder) was documented in Anhui Medical Journal, 1973, Issue (2), Page 23. It was an empirical prescription used at that time for advanced esophageal cancer complicated by inability to swallow.

Its composition is as follows: Borax 61 g, Lapis Micae Aureae 46 g, Saltpeter 31 g, Sal‑Ammoniac, Borneol and Lignum Aquilariae, each 10 g. Grind all the medicinal ingredients together into fine powder. Take 1 g each time, dissolve in the mouth and swallow. Administer one dose every 30 minutes until the swelling subsides and phlegm‑saliva is fully expectorated. Once the patient is able to drink water, change the dosage interval to once every 3 hours. Discontinue administration after three further doses. Under no circumstances should this formula be taken in excessive doses or for prolonged periods.

Kaidao San is a temporary‑use prescription for relieving dysphagia in esophageal cancer. It can alleviate clinical symptoms temporarily. Nevertheless, this formula alone cannot control tumor growth. Moreover, its ingredients including sal‑ammoniac, borneol and borax possess certain toxic properties; therefore excessive or long‑term administration is contraindicated. While using Kaidao San, patients must receive other therapies to halt the progression of esophageal cancer.

In addition, repeated reuse of this formula is generally ineffective. It may temporarily relieve dysphagia during the first episode. Once dysphagia recurs, the formula will no longer work.

This prescription can buy precious therapeutic time for patients. After the inability‑to‑swallow symptom is resolved, patients may proceed with other anti‑esophageal‑cancer medications and take liquid‑form food to improve physical strength. Once symptoms improve, patients should promptly pursue other treatments and must not harbour fluke hopes. When dysphagia relapses, subsequent therapeutic interventions will become far more difficult.