TCM Decoctions I Commonly Use to Reduce Side Effects During Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in Childhood Tumor Patients

During radiotherapy and chemotherapy, childhood tumor patients develop nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, hair loss and other symptoms; without appropriate adjuvant treatment, the child's quality of life is seriously affected.

I respectfully publish here the adjuvant formulas I commonly use for childhood tumor patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, hoping they will be of help to the parents of these children.

Sheng Huangqi 15g, Renshen 3g, Danggui 3g, Zhi Gancao 6g, Chenpi 3g, Fabanxia 3g, Fuling 10g, Nüzhenzi 3g, Mohanlian 3g, Shayuanzi 3g, Tusizi 3g, Dingxiang 3g, Shidi 3g, Zhuru 3g, Sharen 1g, Jiao Sanxian 10g each, Shengjiang 3-5 slices, Dazao 3-5 pieces.

When decocting, slice the Shengjiang and break up the Dazao so that the active constituents dissolve. If you decoct it yourself, the herbs may be decocted twice; combine the two decoctions and divide into 2-3 doses, taken about half an hour after meals.

The main actions of this formula are to nourish blood, strengthen the stomach, and stop vomiting; it provides some relief from the side effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

If the child has finished radiotherapy and chemotherapy and no longer vomits but is weak, you can use Shiquan Dabu Tang (the patent medicine Shiquan Dabu Wan pills are sold in pharmacies) to support righteous qi and consolidate the root. If the child can tolerate decoctions, consider the following decoction:

Sheng Huangqi 15g, Renshen 3g, Baizhu 3g, Fuling 6g, Zhi Gancao 3g, Rougui 3g, Chuanxiong 3g, Danggui 3g, Shudi 3g, Mohanlian 3g, Nüzhenzi 3g, Shayuanzi 3g, Tusizi 3g, Chaihu 1g, Shengma 1g, Huangjing 6g, Jiao Sanxian 10g each, Sharen 1g, Chenpi 3g, Fabanxia 3g, Xianhecao 20g, Shengjiang 3-5 slices, Dazao 3-5 pieces.

The decocting and taking method is the same as the above formula.

The above dosages are suitable for children aged 2-8. Children over 8 may double the dose; children under 2 may halve it.

Children needing multiple rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy especially need the assistance of TCM root-supporting treatment, in order to reduce the damage to the body from chemoradiotherapy.

All the above decoctions may be made up into pills for self-administration. If the child has difficulty taking decoctions, you may buy pill-making equipment to make small water-pills, or commission a TCM pharmacy to process them for you.

Take 3-10 g of the pills each time, 2-3 times daily, washed down with rice soup or plain water after meals.