74 Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining ground as a complementary approach to lung cancer care, with growing evidence suggesting it may enhance treatment outcomes, reduce side effects and improve quality of life for patients. As lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, researchers are increasingly exploring holistic strategies that work alongside conventional therapies. The findings were published in the journal Molecular Cancer. While modern medicine focuses on targeting and killing cancer cells, traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, takes a broader view. It aims to strengthen the body’s internal balance, boost immunity and reduce the impact of harmful treatments. This philosophy of care is now drawing attention as patients and clinicians look for more tolerable long-term strategies in managing the disease. Clinical data reveal that combining TCM with platinum-based chemotherapy regimens improves the effectiveness of treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Several herbal injections, including Ai di and Shen fu, have shown higher response rates when used alongside conventional drugs. Studies involving thousands of patients suggest that TCM combinations can slow disease progression while helping patients feel stronger and more resilient during treatment. One of the main advantages of TCM is its ability to reduce chemotherapy-related side effects such as fatigue, nausea and immune suppression. By supporting the body’s natural defences, these treatments help patients tolerate aggressive therapies for longer periods. Researchers have observed improvements in immune cell function and physical strength when TCM is introduced, particularly during intensive stages of care. The role of TCM is not limited to symptom relief. Laboratory studies have uncovered its molecular mechanisms in fighting lung cancer. Certain herbal compounds appear to trigger different types of cancer cell death, including apoptosis and autophagy. TCM has also been shown to suppress tumour metastasis and reverse drug resistance by influencing critical pathways in cancer cell biology. These findings are helping to bridge the gap between ancient practice and modern biomedical science. In clinical settings, TCM offers tailored treatment plans based on a person’s symptoms, constitution and disease stage. It considers how internal imbalances, such as Qi deficiency or Yin depletion, contribute to illness. This individualised approach is seen as a strength, especially when standard treatments may not be suitable for every patient. Formulas like Jin fu kang, often prescribed in liquid form, are widely used in China to address specific symptom patterns while promoting general well-being. Despite its growing use, TCM is not without limitations. The field still lacks widespread standardisation, and quality control remains a challenge for some herbal products. However, rigorous trials are now underway to validate its safety and effectiveness. Leading cancer centres in China are incorporating TCM into integrated care models, combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy and traditional remedies under one coordinated plan. As lung cancer treatment continues to evolve, traditional Chinese medicine is emerging as a valuable partner in patient care. By blending ancient principles with modern insights, TCM offers new hope for improving outcomes and easing the burden of treatment.