What Should Be Done for Advanced Esophageal Cancer with Multiple Metastases When Physical Indicators Disqualify Chemotherapy?
Improving the physical indicators of advanced esophageal cancer with multiple metastases through enhancing nutrition, oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine, and the use of targeted drugs can be beneficial for disease control. Here are some methods:
Enhancing Nutrition: The etiology of esophageal cancer may be related to long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as genetic factors. Early-stage disease may not cause obvious specific symptoms, so it is easily overlooked. As the disease progresses, advanced stages may manifest as pain, dysphagia, and other symptoms. Since this disease consumes a lot of energy and nutrition, attention should be paid to enhancing nutrition in daily life by consuming foods with high nutritional value such as eggs and lean meat.
Oral Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine: After illness onset, a significant amount of qi and blood may be lost. Under the guidance of a physician, traditional Chinese medicine can be taken orally to replenish qi and blood. Common herbs include Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, and Atractylodes macrocephala.
Use of Targeted Drugs: If the patient's resistance is severely decreased and the body cannot tolerate chemotherapy, targeted drugs can be used for targeted treatment under the guidance of a physician. More common drugs include Apatinib Mesylate Tablets, Gefitinib Tablets, and Crizotinib Capsules.
Besides the above common treatment methods, radiotherapy can be used when necessary to improve the patient's quality of life.
