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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 14, 2026; 32(10): 115549
Published online Mar 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i10.115549
Published online Mar 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i10.115549
Integrating traditional therapies into palliative oncology care: Insights from bottle gourd moxibustion and umbilical therapy
Qian-Wen Wan, Xiao-Yu He, Yi-Huan Zhao, Fu-Shan Tang, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
Qian-Wen Wan, Department of Pharmacy, The Third People’s Hospital of Liupanshui, Liupanshui 553000, Guizhou Province, China
Qian-Wen Wan, Xiao-Yu He, Jia-Wang Yan, Yi-Huan Zhao, Fu-Shan Tang, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
Qian-Wen Wan, Xiao-Yu He, Jia-Wang Yan, Yi-Huan Zhao, Fu-Shan Tang, Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy in Zunyi City, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
Jia-Wang Yan, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
Author contributions: Wan QW contributed to the initial drafting and revision of the manuscript; He XY, Yan JW and Zhao YH participated in discussions and contributed to manuscript revisions; Tang FS contributed to idea generation, manuscript revision, and provided supervision; all authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Fu-Shan Tang, PhD, Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China. fstang@vip.163.com
Received: October 20, 2025
Revised: December 10, 2025
Accepted: January 4, 2026
Published online: March 14, 2026
Processing time: 134 Days and 0.3 Hours
Revised: December 10, 2025
Accepted: January 4, 2026
Published online: March 14, 2026
Processing time: 134 Days and 0.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Cancer-related incomplete bowel obstruction remains a major challenge in palliative oncology. Wu et al demonstrate that bottle gourd moxibustion combined with umbilical therapy can enhance gastrointestinal recovery, reduce opioid dependence, and modulate inflammatory cytokines in patients with advanced malignancies. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine with modern oncology, this low-risk and holistic intervention may provide a potential strategy to improve symptom control and quality of life. These findings suggest that external therapies targeting inflammation and neuroimmune pathways may expand supportive care options in palliative cancer management.