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Case Report
- Integrating Traditional East Asian Medicine Dietary and Herbal Therapies for Supporting Cancer Treatment and Survivorship in the West
- Michelle Loy, John K Chen
- Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):171-180. Published online October 22, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.006
- Correction in: Perspect Integr Med 2026;5(1):72
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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- Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) dietary and herbal therapies emphasize balance, nourishment, and resilience, and have long supported cancer care in Asia. In Western integrative oncology, these therapies are increasingly being used to manage side effects, enhance quality of life, and support survivorship. This retrospective study included patients to illustrate the integration of TEAM therapies in Western academic settings. Case 1, was an 84-year-old woman with Stage 4 bladder and kidney cancer who discontinued immunotherapy due to the side effects of treatment (dietary and herbal). A TEAM-informed dietary and herbal formulas plan was implemented alongside integrative group visits. Case 2, was a 65-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer experiencing endocrine therapy-related insomnia. She was treated with Suan Zao Ren Tang and a comprehensive sleep support plan (dietary, herbal, and cancer-related medications - i.e letrozole, abemaciclib, and zoledronic acid). In Case 1, the patient gained 3.2 kg, her foot ulcers healed, sleep and mobility improved, and she transitioned from using a wheelchair to using walker. In Case 2, the patient reported improved sleep within weeks of using Suan Zao Ren Tang, she discontinued use after 4 months, and 2 months later, she had maintained restful sleep without recurrence of insomnia. Both patients experienced enhanced quality of life, and treatment adherence without adverse effects. These cases highlight the potential of personalized, culturally sensitive TEAM dietary and herbal therapies to support symptom management and survivorship in cancer care. Integrative approaches combining traditional and modern modalities can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, even in advanced stages of disease.
Review Article
- A Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Meridians
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(2):67-75. Published online June 23, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.06.001
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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Supplementary Material 
- A meridian is a channel through which qi moves and is a key concept in traditional East Asian medicine. Meridian studies have evolved from classical functional to modern scientific investigations. This study was performed to construct, analyze, and visualize research trends in modern scientific investigations through a bibliometric analysis. The MEDLINE database was searched via PubMed. All relevant studies published up to December, 2024 were included (N = 1,446). Research on the concept of meridians has been actively reported since the early 1990s, peaking in 2015 (n = 103). Various biological basis for meridians, including the primo vascular system, have been investigated throughout this period. Co-occurrence analysis identified 3 major research clusters: clinical studies, animal experiments, and acupuncture points research. Recent studies have focused more on acupuncture points and their clinical applications, particularly in neuropsychiatric disorders, rather than fundamental meridian research. In addition, data mining has emerged as a new methodology in the field. Research collaboration was primarily occurring amongst investigators in South Korea and China (limited international cooperation). While interest in preclinical studies has declined, promising clinical applications continue to emerge. This review highlighted the need for broader international collaboration and integration of traditional concepts with modern research methodologies.
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