Proven Formulas for Ovarian Cancer Collected by the Late Veteran TCM Physician Wang Taiyuan

I once had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of the late veteran TCM physician Wang Taiyuan of Guizhou, because of a stage 3C ovarian cancer patient I was treating. This patient had previously been Dr. Wang's patient; Dr. Wang treated her for more than five years, and under his care she did well in every respect. While Dr. Wang was treating her, through this patient's introduction I was able to study the various medical writings of Dr. Wang that have not yet been published. After Dr. Wang passed away, the patient was referred to me.

Back in 2007, Dr. Wang specifically wrote a Handbook of TCM Treatment of Common Gynecological Diseases, which included some treatment experiences with common gynecological cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, choriocarcinoma, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer. Dr. Wang's posthumous writings now circulate only among a small circle of acquaintances, myself included, and their reach is very limited. I now respectfully excerpt some of Dr. Wang's collected experience formulas for ovarian cancer, for the reference of readers.

Although Dr. Wang has passed away, I do not dare steal the credit for his work or claim his writing as my own. The original author of the following text is the late Mr. Wang Taiyuan. As one of the few remaining inheritors of Dr. Wang's medical skill, I publish his unpublished articles not to seek personal fame, but in the hope that Dr. Wang's life's work will not be buried, and that his posthumous writings may benefit the sick—this was also Dr. Wang's last wish, as I hereby declare.

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the ovarian surface coelomic epithelium and the underlying ovarian stroma. This disease is related to environment, diet, mental state, heredity, childbearing, exogenous chemicals, viral infection, as well as obesity and hypertension. The most common symptoms are abdominal enlargement, ascites or pelvic mass, abdominal pain, and irregular vaginal bleeding. When the tumor compresses the large intestine, bladder, stomach, or diaphragm, the affected organs may show constipation, urinary frequency, gastrointestinal obstruction, or difficulty breathing. Torsion of the ovary may cause severe colicky pain.

In traditional Chinese medicine, based on its clinical symptoms it broadly falls into the categories of "intestinal gwelt (chang-tan)," "abdominal masses (zheng-jia)," "accumulation (ji-ju)," and "uterine bleeding (lou-xia)." It is mostly related to accumulations of heat-toxin, qi stagnation and blood stasis, congelation of phlegm-dampness, and failure of the liver to spread. With prolonged illness or after surgery, it may damage both qi and blood, damage yin and yang, and also involve other organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Therefore it is advisable to make an early, clear diagnosis and thoroughly eradicate it with early surgery; afterwards, using Chinese medicine to strengthen the patient's physical strength and immune mechanism, eliminate clinical symptoms, and reduce the patient's suffering is also of great benefit. The treatment principles are no more than clearing heat and resolving toxin, regulating qi and resolving stasis, activating blood and softening hardness, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and resolving phlegm and dispersing accumulation. In the late stage or after surgery, one should boost qi and nourish blood, enrich yin and support yang, fortify the spleen and benefit the kidneys, applied flexibly according to the condition. The following formulas may be selected for clinical reference.

1. Tiedaishu (Cortex Cycadis) 15 g, Biejia (Carapax Trionycis) 15 g, Danshen (Salvia) 15 g, Zaoxiu (Rhizoma Paridis) 20 g, Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 30 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 9 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 9 g, Qingpi (Tangerine Peel, green) 9 g, Xiangfu (Cyperus) 12 g, Zhiqiao (Bitter Orange) 12 g, Danggui (Angelica) 12 g, Zelan (Lycopus) 12 g. Decoct the above in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula clears heat and resolves toxin, regulates qi and moves stasis; suitable for early-stage ovarian cancer.

2. Banzhilian (Scutellaria Barbata) 60 g, Banguilian (Lobelia) 60 g, Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 60 g, Zaoxiu (Rhizoma Paridis) 6 g. Decoct the above in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula clears heat and resolves toxin, resolves stasis and disperses accumulation; suitable for early-stage ovarian cancer.

3. Longkui (Solanum Nigrum) 45–60 g, Shemei (Duchesnea) 45–60 g, Shuyangquan (Solanum Septemlobum) 45–60 g, Yiyiren root (Coix root) 30 g, Biancao (Verbena) 30 g, Pugongying root (Dandelion root) 30 g. Decoct the above in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula clears heat and resolves toxin; suitable for ovarian cancer with marked heat-toxin.

4. Walnut twigs 250 g; boil fresh walnut twigs for 30 minutes, remove the dregs, and use the broth to boil eggs. One egg each time, twice daily. This formula clears heat and drains dampness, supports the righteous and resolves toxin; suitable for ovarian cancer with insufficiency of righteous qi.

5. Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 30 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 30 g, Kunbu (Ecklonia) 15 g, Taoren (Peach Kernel) 15 g, Haier Shen (Pseudostellaria) 15 g, Fuling (Poria) 15 g, Chuanlianzi (Toosendan) 10 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 10 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 12 g, Xiaohuixiang (Fennel) 9 g, Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga) 9 g. Decoct the above in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula resolves toxin and disperses nodules, resolves stasis and dissipates masses; suitable for ovarian cancer with marked stasis-toxin symptoms.

6. Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 60 g, Banzhilian (Scutellaria Barbata) 60 g, Juhe (Tangerine Seed) 15 g, Kunbu (Ecklonia) 15 g, Taoren (Peach Kernel) 15 g, Dilong (Earthworm) 15 g, Tubie (Eupolyphaga) 9 g, Chuanlianzi (Toosendan) 9 g, Xiaohuixiang (Fennel) 9 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 12 g, Dangshen (Codonopsis) 12 g, Honghua (Safflower) 3 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 30 g. Decoct the above in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula clears heat and resolves toxin, soothes the liver and regulates qi; suitable for ovarian cancer with marked heat-toxin and liver qi stagnation.

7. Chaihu (Bupleurum) 12 g, Xiangfu (Cyperus) 12 g, Foshoupian (Finger Citron) 12 g, Zelan (Lycopus) 12 g, Danggui (Angelica) 15 g, Yimucao (Motherwort) 15 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 15 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 24 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 30 g, Banzhilian (Scutellaria Barbata) 30 g, Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 30 g. This formula regulates qi and fortifies the spleen, resolves toxin and stasis; suitable for liver-qi-depression-type ovarian cancer.

8. Chaihu (Bupleurum) 12 g, Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) 12 g, Tubie (Eupolyphaga) 9 g, Chishao (Red Peony) 9 g, Baishao (White Peony) 9 g, Jiazhu (Pangolin scales) 15 g, Huangyaozi (Dioscorea Bulbifera) 15 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 15 g, Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 15 g, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum) 6 g, Zaoxiu (Rhizoma Paridis) 30 g, Banguilian (Lobelia) 30 g. Decoct the above in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula regulates qi and activates blood, reduces inflammation and disperses accumulation; suitable for qi-stagnation-blood-stasis-type ovarian cancer.

9. Dangguiwei (Angelica tail) 10 g, Danshen (Salvia) 10 g, Wulingzhi (Trogopterus) 10 g, Chuan Duan (Teasel) 10 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 6 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 6 g, Ruxiang (Frankincense) 6 g, Moyo (Myrrh) 6 g, Taoren (Peach Kernel) 6 g, Honghua (Safflower) 6 g, Biejia (Carapax Trionycis) 12 g, Chishao (Red Peony) 12 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, once daily. This formula activates blood and resolves stasis; suitable for ovarian cancer with marked stasis obstruction.

10. Yanhusuo (Corydalis) 20 g, Chishao (Red Peony) 15 g, Yujin (Curcuma) 15 g, Chuanlianzi (Toosendan) 15 g, Moyo (Myrrh) 10 g, Danggui (Angelica) 10 g, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum) 10 g, Puhuang (Typha) 10 g, Wulingzhi (Trogopterus) 10 g, Xiaohuixiang (Fennel) 10 g, Ruxiang (Frankincense) 10 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, once daily. This formula activates blood and dispels stasis, disperses nodules and stops pain; suitable for ovarian cancer with marked stasis obstruction and severe abdominal pain.

11. Muxiang (Aucklandia) 10 g, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) 10 g, Wuyao (Lindera) 10 g, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) 10 g, Zhiqiao (Bitter Orange) 10 g, Gancao (Licorice) 10 g, Xiangfu (Cyperus) 15 g, Dangshen (Codonopsis) 15 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 15 g, Fuling (Poria) 15 g, Sharen (Amomum) 5 g (added later). Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula fortifies the spleen and supports the righteous, smooths qi and regulates the liver; suitable for ovarian cancer with spleen deficiency, qi stagnation, and marked abdominal distension.

12. Dangshen (Codonopsis) 15 g, Fuling (Poria) 15 g, Cheqianzi (Plantago Seed) 15 g, Haizao (Sargassum) 15 g, Zexie (Alisma) 15 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 10 g, Xiakucao (Selfheal) 10 g, Shancigu (Cremastra) 12 g, Banxia (Pinellia) 9 g, Zhiqiao (Bitter Orange) 9 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 30 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula fortifies the spleen and resolves stasis, dispels dampness and disperses nodules; suitable for phlegm-damp-congealment-type ovarian cancer.

13. Huangqi (Astragalus) 60 g, Liaojiaoshi (Halloyosite) 60 g, Fengfang (Wasp Nest) 10 g, Tubie (Eupolyphaga) 10 g, Shtui (Snake slough) 10 g, Walengzi (Corbula shell) 30 g, Poluoz (Aesculus) 15 g, Yanhusuo (Corydalis) 15 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula boosts qi and supports the righteous, softens hardness and disperses nodules; suitable for ovarian cancer.

14. Dangshen (Codonopsis) 30 g, Huangqi (Astragalus) 30 g, Zhuling (Polyporus) 30 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 15 g, Banxia (Pinellia) 12 g, Zhiqiao (Bitter Orange) 10 g, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) 10 g, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) 10 g, Dafupi (Areca Peel) 10 g, Zexie (Alisma) 10 g, Gancao (Licorice) 10 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula fortifies the spleen and moves water, supports the righteous and expels pathogen; suitable for qi-deficiency-dampness-obstruction-type ovarian cancer.

15. Huangqi (Astragalus) 40 g, Hanfangji (Stephania) 15 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 15 g, Zexie (Alisma) 15 g, Dafupi (Areca Peel) 15 g, Fuling (Poria) 30 g, Banguilian (Lobelia) 30 g, Shuihonghuazi (Polygonum) 30 g, Biancao (Verbena) 30 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 50 g, Longkui (Solanum Nigrum) 20 g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 10 g, Gancao (Licorice) 10 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula boosts qi and unblocks yang, moves stasis and promotes diuresis; suitable for ovarian cancer with profuse ascites.

16. Dangshen (Codonopsis) 30 g, Tufuling (Smilax) 30 g, Biancao (Verbena) 30 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 15 g, Banzhilian (Scutellaria Barbata) 80 g, Baijiezi (Mustard Seed) 40 g, Chishao (Red Peony) 20 g, Maozhuacao (Ranunculus) 20 g, Taoren (Peach Kernel) 10 g, Honghua (Safflower) 10 g, Xiaohuixiang (Fennel) 10 g, Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga) 6 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula boosts qi and fortifies the spleen, clears heat and resolves stasis; suitable for post-operative ovarian cancer.

17. Taoren (Peach Kernel) 10 g, Honghua (Safflower) 10 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 10 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 10 g, Jiazhu (Pangolin scales) 10 g, Dangshen (Codonopsis) 15 g, Huangqi (Astragalus) 15 g, Shudi (Rehmannia, prepared) 15 g, Baishao (White Peony) 15 g, Jixueteng (Spatholobus) 15 g, Biejia (Carapax Trionycis) 15 g, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum) 9 g, Qingpi (Tangerine Peel, green) 9 g, Chuanlianzi (Toosendan) 9 g, Danggui (Angelica) 12 g, Shengmuli (Oyster shell, raw) 30 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula boosts qi and nourishes yin, resolves stasis and softens hardness; suitable for ovarian cancer.

18. Huangqi (Astragalus) 30 g, Shanyao (Dioscorea) 30 g, Nüzhenzi (Ligustrum) 30 g, Tufuling (Smilax) 30 g, Zhushizi (Broussonetia) 30 g, Yimucao (Motherwort) 30 g, Dangshen (Codonopsis) 15 g, Taizishen (Pseudostellaria) 15 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 15 g, Huangjing (Polygonatum) 15 g, Gouqi (Lycium) 15 g, Sangjisheng (Loranthus) 15 g, Jixingzi (Impatientis) 15 g, Qiancao (Rubia) 15 g, Sharen (Amomum) 8 g, Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) 10 g, Shuihonghuazi (Polygonum) 20 g, Muli (Oyster shell) 20 g, Chouhulu (Lagenaria) 20 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula boosts qi and nourishes blood, supplements the kidneys and fortifies the spleen, and fights cancer; suitable for post-operative ovarian cancer with qi-blood deficiency and spleen-kidney insufficiency.

19. Taizishen (Pseudostellaria) 15 g, Danshen (Salvia) 15 g, Fuling (Poria) 15 g, Huangqi (Astragalus) 15 g, Dihuang (Rehmannia, dried) 15 g, Tiandong (Asparagus) 15 g, Jixueteng (Spatholobus) 20 g, Renshen (Ginseng) 24 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 30 g, Banzhilian (Scutellaria Barbata) 12 g, Chao Maiya (fried barley sprout) 18 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 10 g, Gancao (Licorice) 10 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula supplements qi and blood, resolves toxin and stasis; suitable for ovarian cancer with qi-blood insufficiency and internal stasis-toxin.

20. Jiaogulan (Gynostemma) 50 g, Huangqi (Astragalus) 50 g, Danggui (Angelica) 15 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 15 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 15 g, Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis) 80 g, Longkui (Solanum Nigrum) 40 g, Shijianchuan (Salvia Chinensis) 60 g, Yiyiren (Coix) 60 g, Muxiang (Aucklandia) 10 g, Shuihi (Leech) 6 g, Danshen (Salvia) 30 g, Xiakucao (Selfheal) 30 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula boosts qi and harmonizes blood, resolves toxin and disperses nodules; suitable for post-operative ovarian cancer patients.

21. Shengdi (Rehmannia, raw) 9 g, Baishao (White Peony) 9 g, Tiandong (Asparagus) 9 g, Maidong (Ophiopogon) 9 g, Danggui (Angelica) 9 g, Danpi (Moutan) 9 g, Gouqi (Lycium) 9 g, Shashen (Glehnia) 9 g, Digupi (Lycium bark) 9 g, Dangshen (Codonopsis) 9 g, Wuweizi (Schisandra) 5 g, Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root) 15 g. Concentrate-decoct the above to 500 ml, finished within one week. This formula nourishes yin and generates fluids, clears heat and calms the spirit; suitable during chemotherapy after ovarian cancer surgery.

22. Dangshen (Codonopsis) 9 g, Huangqi (Astragalus) 9 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 9 g, Baishao (White Peony) 9 g, Tiandong (Asparagus) 9 g, Maidong (Ophiopogon) 9 g, Gouqi (Lycium) 9 g, Danpi (Moutan) 9 g, Lujiaoshuang (Deer antler frost) 9 g, Shengdi (Rehmannia, raw) 9 g, Foshou (Finger Citron) 6 g, Muxiang (Aucklandia) 6 g, Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root) 15 g, Wuweizi (Schisandra) 15 g. Concentrate-decoct the above to 500 ml, finished within one week.

23. Yangqishi (Actinolite) 60 g, Taoren (Peach Kernel) 60 g, Honghua (Safflower) 60 g, Danggui (Angelica) 60 g, Baishao (White Peony) 60 g, Dahuang (Rhubarb) 60 g, Yunmu (Mica) 120 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 90 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 90 g, Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga) 90 g, Zhiqiao (Bitter Orange) 30 g. Grind all the above into a fine powder and bind with rice paste into pills. Three times daily, 18 g each time. This formula warms the kidneys and dispels cold, breaks blood and dispels stasis; suitable for ovarian cancer.

24. Vinegar-processe Awei (Asafoetida) 15 g, Lianqiao (Forsythia) 15 g, Beimu (Fritillaria) 15 g, Gualouren (Trichosanthes seed) 15 g, Shanzha flesh (Hawthorn) 30 g, Banxia (Pinellia) 30 g, Maiya (Barley sprout) 30 g, Chao Shenqu (fried medicated leaven) 30 g, Huanglian (Coptis) 30 g, Laifuzi (Radish seed) 30 g, Fengxiao (mirabilite) 7.5 g, Shijian (alumina) 7.5 g, Huhuanglian (Picrorhiza) 7.5 g, Baijiezi (Mustard seed) 7.5 g. Grind all into a fine powder, moisten with ginger juice and bind into pills; 6 g each time, taken with hot water, twice daily. This formula descends accumulation and breaks evil qi; suitable for ovarian cancer.

25. Dangshen (Codonopsis) 30 g, Fuling (Poria) 30 g, Zhuling (Polyporus) 30 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 3.5 g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 6 g, Paofuzi (Aconite, prepared) 6 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula warms and tonifies the spleen and kidneys, moves qi and promotes diuresis; suitable for late-stage ovarian cancer with ascites.

26. Danggui (Angelica) 12 g, Chishao (Red Peony) 12 g, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum) 10 g, Sanleng (Burreed) 10 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 10 g, Zhuru (Bamboo shavings) 10 g, Chantui (Cicada slough) 10 g, dried Chan Chu (toad) 2, Wugong (centipede) 3, Jixingzi (Impatientis) 15 g, Paojiang (ginger, prepared) 15 g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 15 g, Dazao (Jujube) 10 pieces, Shengjiang (ginger) 10 slices. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. The above warms the middle and supports yang, activates blood and dispels stasis; suitable for ovarian cancer.

27. Xiangfuzi (Cyperus) 15 g, Wuyao (Lindera) 9 g, Xiaohuixiang (Fennel) 9 g, Chuanlianzi (Toosendan) 9 g, Juhe (Tangerine seed) 9 g, Lizhihe (Lychee seed) 9 g, Ezhu (Curcuma) 9 g, Fuling (Poria) 12 g, Aiye (Mugwort leaf) 3 g, Gancao (Licorice) 3 g. Decoct in water, divide into two doses, one dose daily. This formula dispels cold and resolves stasis, regulates qi and disperses nodules; suitable for ovarian cancer.

28. Dingxiang (Clove), Shannai (Kaempferia), Zaoxiu (Rhizoma Paridis), Tenghuang (Gamboge), Awei (Asafoetida), each in equal parts; grind into a fine powder, sprinkle on a camphor plaster, and apply to the affected area. This formula reduces swelling and disperses nodules, fights cancer and fixes pain; suitable for ovarian cancer.

Dr. Wang's clinical insights:

1. Whether ovarian cyst or ovarian cancer, analysis of much literature shows that herbs moving qi and blood and softening hardness and dispersing accumulation occupy the main position, but all must be modified according to pattern differentiation. Next, the two methods of boosting qi and moving water, and warming yang and promoting diuresis, are also frequently used. The reason, in my experience, may be that ovarian cysts and ovarian cancers are of muscular, fibrous, bloody, and fluid types; moving qi and blood, and softening hardness, may suit the muscular, fibrous, and bloody lesions, while boosting qi/moving water and warming yang/promoting diuresis may suit the fluid lesions. Whether this is so still requires more clinical cases to verify. As for late-stage or post-operative ovarian cancer treatment, it is basically all centered on supporting the righteous and fighting cancer; but how to support the righteous depends on differentiating the deficiency patterns of yin, yang, qi, and blood to choose the formula and herbs.

2. Mental depression is a catalyst for cancer. From my clinical observation, many cancer patients are related to mental factors, and ovarian cancer is naturally no exception. Therefore the fundamental way to prevent this disease is to keep a cheerful mood and a happy spirit; being happy is the source of health and happiness. Next, whatever the cancer, surgery is necessary, and the earlier the better. But whether chemotherapy and radiotherapy are mandatory after surgery is not necessarily so. Under normal circumstances I think it is better not to do them. Because the post-operative patient is already deficient, continuing chemo and radiotherapy will drain away the last bit of qi and blood the patient has and only hasten death—the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. It is better to soothe the mind and rest quietly, plus take some righteous-supporting, anticancer Chinese medicine; this may still prolong life, or even offer a chance of recovery—I have seen quite a few such cases in the clinic. As for the many drugs for treating cancer, I have classified and introduced them in the cervical cancer chapter; they are no more than variations on a theme, so I will not repeat them here.

Dr. Wang's article ends here. Dr. Wang's other articles on treating cancer will be organized and published by me gradually when I have time.