Exploration on the Diagnosis and Treatment Approach for Advanced Esophageal Cancer based on the TCM Theory of “Gate of Vitality”

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is one of the most malignant cancers, with patients in advanced stages experiencing a significantly poor quality of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies its pathogenesis as a condition of root deficiency and excess manifestations, closely related to the insufficiency of the innate “water and fire of the Gate of Vitality,” often accompanied by symptoms such as qi stagnation, phlegm coagulation, and blood stasis. Based on the theory of the “Gate of Vitality,” this paper explores the pathological characteristics of advanced esophageal cancer and proposes the application of Rehmannia Glutinosa to “seek yang from yin and vigorously tonify the Gate of Vitality,” aiming to provide insights for clinical treatment.