Student Research

Chinese Herbal Medicine as Adjunct Therapy for Hepatocarcinoma

Study

Systematic review of the literature on the use of Chinese herbal medicine as supportive care for patients undergoing treatment for hepatocarcinoma. Fifteen Chinese herbs are examined in detail as a literature review.

Status: This project was completed in March, 2010.

The Feasibility of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

A Pilot Study

Phase I trial of an acupuncture protocol in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, funded by a grant from the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation. Participant recruitment and treatment took place at Whidbey General Hospital and Skagit Valley Hospital.

Status: This project was completed in March, 2010.

Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Topical Application in the Management of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Clinical Study

Phase I study of the potential efficacy and safety issues of using a topical preparation for the treatment of neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. The study is being completed at the Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center.

Status: This project was completed in March, 2007.

Oncologists’ Motivation and Attitudes towards referring Cancer Patients to TCM Modalities

Practitioner Survey

Development and use of a survey instrument to assess the attitudes of oncologists practicing in the State of Washington regarding referring oncology patients to providers of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Status: This project was completed in March, 2007.

Chinese Herbal Medicine and Prevention of Secondary Cancer in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Proposal for a Systematic Review

Systematic review

A systematic review of research literature listed in extensive search in the NCBI (PubMed), the Cochrane Collaboration, AMED and Natural Standard databases, as well the Bastyr University library’s print collection regarding the prevention of secondary cancers in breast cancer survivors. Literature on Chinese herbal medicine since 2000 are being reviewed.

Status: This project was completed in June 2007.

Use of TCM Earlier Detection May Help to Predict of Pancreatic Cancer

Review paper

This review of Chinese medical literature has two aims. First, to define the relationship between the spleen and pancreas in terms of the classical literature of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical theories. Second, to outline the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer according to the principle of “planning treatment according to diagnosis” (Bian Zheng Lun Zhi).

Status: This project was completed in December, 2007.

The effects of Dang Gui, Pu Gong Ying, Huang Lian, Zhi Mu, Bai Hua She She Cao, Ku Shen, Ban Zhi Lian water extracts on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Laboratory study

This study assessed the impact of aqueous extracts of seven Chinese herbs in vitro on the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. Cell growth was assessed by measuring the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) in the growth medium. Inhibition of growth was assessed after exposing cells to single herb and two herb combinations.

Status: Project completed in June, 2006.

Biophysics of Acupuncture and TCM

Systematic Review

The central premise in traditional Chinese medicine is a flow of energy in the body the Chinese designated as “qi”. Since the study of energy, including its flow and behavior, falls within the realm of physics, physics may be able to explain some of the phenomenon involved in traditional Chinese medicine including “qi”. A literature review was conducted in an attempt to provide a working scientific model for the physics and physiology behind qi and related phenomenon in traditional Chinese medicine.

Status: This project was completed in June, 2006 and is the basis of an elective class currently offered at Bastyr University.

A Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of insomnia

Clinical study

This phase I project assessed a Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of insomnia was assessed using standard instruments used in the clinical measurement of insomnia.

Status: This project was completed in June, 2006.

A Study of the Efficacy of Cobblestone Mat Walking and Conventional Walking for Breast Cancer Patients undergoing Chemotherapy - A Case Series (Pilot Study)

Clinical study

The objective of this study was to determine the relative effects of indoor cobblestone mat walking, in comparison with conventional walking on nausea and vomiting levels, immune function and depression levels in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study design used in this study was a randomized trial with allocation to cobblestone mat walking or conventional walking exercises and case reports.

Status: This project was completed in 2007.

Examination of the Role of the Spleen and Liver in Fu Zheng Gu Ben Therapy

Review paper

An examination of the role of the spleen and liver in the treatment of cancer in Traditional Chinese Medicine by supporting the “qi”, or “Fu Zheng Gu Ben”. This paper reviewed an herbal protocol for achieving qi cultivation in these patients. By understanding both the TCM description of organ function as well as the western medical physiology, treatments can be tailored specifically to address issues associated with cancer.

Status: This project was completed in June, 2007.