Western and Chinese medicine in oncology and hematology.

Based on a conclusive theoretical background, both Western and Chinese Medicine have developed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which lead to reproducible treatment results. Whilst Western Medicine focuses on a most precise diagnosis of tumor histology and the extend of dissemination, Chinese Medicine has developed tools for a functional diagnoses of disturbed body functions. And as Western Medicine aims at producing most specific targeted drugs, Chinese Medicine intends to stabilize disturbed body functions mostly with decoctions. A combined treatment which synergizes specific tumor attack and patient stabilization seems promising. However, the different cultural backgrounds have led to different standards of evaluation. Although the scientific evaluation of Chinese Medicine has led to the development of new drugs, the majority of treatments with decoctions are not evaluated according to the accepted standards. As of today, modern research could only occasionally find explanations for the longstanding experience, but new research ideas have resulted from this confrontation. The approach of combining standard treatments with Chinese treatment concepts only started a few decades ago. The experiences and promising results from smaller studies stand against possible risks of unknown interactions with proven treatment concepts. Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies will be necessary to evaluate these combined treatment concepts. In everyday life, Western and Chinese Medicine should be used in sequence, whereas in studies and special situations the combined approach should be applied to offer possible benefits without causing unnecessary risks to the patients.