Differentiation and Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer from the Perspective of "Internal Wind in Hidden Circulation"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.09.013
- VernacularTitle:从“内风暗旋”辨治小细胞肺癌
- Author:
Shengjuan HU
1
;
Li HOU
2
;
Tao SUN
3
;
Li FENG
4
Author Information
1. First Clinical Medical College，Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100700
2. Dongzhimen Hospital，Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
3. Dongfang Hospital，Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
4. National Cancer Center/ National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital，Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
small cell lung cancer;
pathogenic wind;
extinguishing wind method
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(9):1003-1007
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Small cell lung cancer （SCLC） is characterized by rapid onset， high invasiveness， and a strong tendency for recurrence and metastasis， which aligns with the pathogenic characteristics of wind pathogen in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. This paper explores the pathological mechanism and dynamic pattern identification and treatment of SCLC from the perspective of "internal wind in hidden circulation". It is proposed that the core pathogenesis of SCLC is rooted in depletion of healthy qi， with binding of phlegm， stasis， and toxin. When pathogenic factors become excessive， the ascending and descending of yang qi becomes disordered， transforming into wind. This leads to internal wind in hidden circulation， which moves erratically and damages healthy qi. In the limited stage， cancer toxin accumulates and internal wind arises covertly， treatment for which should focus on regulating qi and resolving toxin， defending against wind and resisting pathogen with modified Bufei Decoction （补肺汤） and Shengjiang Powder （升降散）. In the early extensive stage， phlegm and stasis generate wind， and internal wind spreads through collate-rals； treatment should resolve phlegm and dispel stasis， extinguish wind and resolve toxin， with modified Lingjiao Gouteng Decoction （羚角钩藤汤） combined with Tianma Gouteng Beverage （天麻钩藤饮）. During the treatment stage， there is qi and yin depletion， and deficient wind harassing the interior， for which it is recommended to boost qi and nourish yin， soften the liver and extinguish wind， with modified Zhengan Xifeng Decoction （镇肝熄风汤） combined with Qingzao Jiufei Decoction （清燥救肺汤）. In the progression stage， internal wind stirs again and cancer toxin scurries； treatment should focus on strengthening the healthy qi and replenishing essence， restraining wind and penetrating toxin， with modified Sanjia Fumai Decoction （三甲复脉汤）. In the terminal stage， yin and yang are on the verge of dissociation and depleted yang floats upward； treatment should constrain and astringe to prevent collapse， rescue yang and contain yin， with modified Dihuang Drink （地黄饮子） combined with Laifu Decoction （来复汤）.
