Kaidao San: A Formula for Relieving Dysphagia in Advanced Esophageal Cancer

The journal Anhui Medicine, issue 1973(2): 23, recorded a formula called "Kaidao San," an empirical formula used at the time for treating inability to swallow in advanced esophageal cancer.

The formula consists of: Pengsha (Borax) 61 g; Mengshi (Lapis Micae Aureus) 46 g; Huoxiao (Niter) 31 g; Naosha (Sal Ammoniac), Bingpian (Borneolum), and Chenxiang (Aquilariae Lignum), each 10 g. Grind all the above into a fine powder. Each time take 1 g, let it dissolve in the mouth and swallow. Repeat every 30 minutes until the swelling subsides, the phlegm-saliva is expelled, and the patient can drink water; then change to once every 3 hours and continue for only three further doses before stopping. This formula must not be taken repeatedly or long-term.

Kaidao San is a formula for temporary use to relieve the symptom of dysphagia in esophageal cancer; it can temporarily ease the patient's symptoms. But on its own it cannot control the tumor, and Naosha, Bingpian, and Pengsha in this formula are all somewhat toxic, so it must not be taken often or long. While using Kaidao San, the patient needs other treatment to control the progression of esophageal cancer.

In addition, this formula is usually difficult to use repeatedly. When dysphagia first appears, it can temporarily relieve it; if the symptoms recur and it is used again, it will no longer work.

This formula can buy the patient time for treatment. Once the problem of inability to swallow is solved, the patient can continue taking other medications for the esophageal cancer and can also take fluids to build up strength. After the symptoms ease, the patient should lose no time in pursuing other treatment and should not rely on wishful thinking. Once dysphagia recurs, seeking other treatment becomes very difficult.