Abstract
Dear Editor,
We read with great interest the recent study by Gu et al, 1 which evaluates the efficacy of Chinese herbal decoction and Liuzijue exercises in postoperative rehabilitation for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Their findings provide valuable insights into the potential role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in enhancing quality of life (QoL) and reducing postoperative complications. Given the growing emphasis on integrative cancer care, this study represents an important step toward optimizing post-surgical recovery strategies for NSCLC patients.
One of the most compelling findings of the study is the significant improvement in QoL, particularly in role functioning and social functioning, as measured by QLQ-C30. Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated superior outcomes in the SF-36 domains of Role-Physical, Social Function, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health Summary scores. These results align with emerging evidence that mind-body exercises, such as Qigong and Tai Chi, can improve functional recovery and emotional well-being in cancer patients. 2 However, the study’s short-term follow-up raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these benefits. Future research should incorporate extended follow-up periods to assess whether these improvements persist beyond the immediate postoperative phase.
Furthermore, the study highlights a significant reduction in postoperative complications, with the intervention group exhibiting a markedly lower rate of pulmonary infections compared to controls. This is a noteworthy finding, as postoperative infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. While the authors attribute this effect to the immunomodulatory properties of TCM, the specific mechanisms underlying this benefit remain unclear. Further investigations incorporating biomarker analysis could elucidate whether TCM exerts its effects through anti-inflammatory pathways or modulation of gut microbiota, both of which have been proposed as mechanisms in previous studies. 3
Despite these promising findings, some methodological considerations merit discussion. The study design, though robust as a randomized controlled trial, lacks a placebo-controlled arm for the herbal intervention, making it difficult to distinguish between the specific effects of the decoction and potential placebo responses. Additionally, while the authors implemented Liuzijue exercises, the comparative efficacy of different TCM-based rehabilitation techniques remains unexplored. It would be valuable to assess whether alternative movement therapies, such as Baduanjin or Tai Chi, yield similar or superior outcomes.
In conclusion, Gu et al provide compelling evidence supporting the integration of TCM into NSCLC postoperative rehabilitation. Their study underscores the potential of herbal medicine and Liuzijue exercises in improving QoL and reducing complications. However, further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms, compare different rehabilitation modalities, and assess long-term efficacy. As integrative oncology continues to gain traction, establishing standardized protocols for TCM-based rehabilitation will be crucial for its broader clinical adoption.
