3 Real Singapore Cases of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Collaboration: Lung Cancer Chemotherapy / PCOS / Stroke Rehabilitation

In Singapore, many patients struggling with the side effects of chemotherapy, PCOS-related infertility, or slow recovery after stroke often wonder: “Should I choose Western medicine or TCM?”

In reality, Singapore’s healthcare system supports integration rather than separation. Licensed TCM clinics — such as Yong Kang TCM Clinic Singapore, regulated under the TCM Practitioners Board — often collaborate with Western medical clinics to complement each other’s strengths. This approach makes treatments more effective, personalised, and relevant.

The following 3 real cases showcase the practical benefits of such collaboration — showing why “Western clinic + licensed TCM” is becoming the preferred healthcare model for many Singaporeans.

Case 1: Lung Cancer Chemotherapy — Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Effectiveness Through Integration

Patient Profile

Madam Zhang, 58 (Singapore PR), was diagnosed with Stage III lung adenocarcinoma with mediastinal lymph node metastasis after a CT scan and biopsy at a Western clinic and its partner hospital. She was prescribed Pemetrexed + Cisplatin chemotherapy along with chest radiotherapy. However, after the first cycle, she developed severe side effects — persistent vomiting (even plain fish porridge was intolerable), mouth ulcers, and fatigue so extreme she could not walk downstairs. Her white blood cell count dropped sharply to 2.1×10⁹/L (normal 4–10×10⁹/L). Upon her doctor’s recommendation, she sought adjunctive care at Yong Kang TCM Clinic (licensed under the TCM Practitioners Board).

Collaborative Treatment Plan

• Western Clinic:

  • Paused radiotherapy and administered Ondansetron for nausea, G-CSF to boost white cells, and IV nutrition (amino acids, electrolytes).

  • Adjusted chemotherapy dosage to reduce body strain.

• Yong Kang TCM Clinic:

  • Diagnosis: “Spleen and stomach deficiency, qi and blood depletion.”

  • Herbal Formula: Based on Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, modified to strengthen digestion and boost immunity. Key ingredients included Codonopsis, Atractylodes, Poria, Tangerine Peel, Pinellia, Astragalus, and Angelica.

  • Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance: Encouraged soft, bland foods like fish porridge, shredded chicken congee, and steamed egg; avoided oily or spicy dishes like nasi lemak or chili crab. Recommended daily acupressure at Zusanli (ST36) to support digestion.

After 1 week, nausea subsided and appetite improved. After 2 weeks, WBC count recovered to 4.8×10⁹/L, and her strength returned. She completed all 6 chemotherapy cycles without recurrence of severe side effects. Follow-up scans showed a 30% tumor reduction and disappearance of lymph node metastases. She now continues weekly TCM follow-up at Yong Kang for immune strengthening.

Case 2: PCOS and Infertility — Regulating Hormones and Enhancing Fertility Through Combined Treatment

Patient Profile

Ms. Lee, 26 (Singaporean, office worker), was unable to conceive after 2 years of marriage.She presented with typical PCOS symptoms: irregular cycles (32–45 days), scanty dark menses, acne, hirsutism, and BMI 26.8 (above Singapore’s healthy range).Tests confirmed PCOS with insulin resistance and elevated testosterone (2.1 nmol/L).After one month on hormone medication with no improvement, she sought TCM fertility treatment at Yong Kang TCM Clinic on her doctor’s referral.

Collaborative Treatment Plan

• Western Clinic:

  • Prescribed Diane-35 (cyproterone + ethinylestradiol) for hormonal regulation and Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.

  • Advised low-GI diet (brown rice, local vegetables) and brisk walking 3 times weekly at HDB parks.

• Yong Kang TCM Clinic:

  • Diagnosis: “Phlegm-damp obstruction with liver qi stagnation.”

  • Stage-based Herbal Therapy:

    • Early phase: Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan (to resolve phlegm and regulate liver qi).

    • Mid-cycle: Added Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, and Dan Shen to promote ovulation and nourish blood.

  • Acupuncture (licensed): Twice weekly sessions at points such as Sanyinjiao, Zusanli, Guanyuan, Taichong, and Fenglong.

  • Lifestyle Guidance: Avoided bubble tea, curry puffs, and coconut sweets; encouraged warm water in the morning and foot soaks before bed to reduce “dampness” from air-conditioned office environments.

After 3 months, menstrual cycles stabilized at 28–30 days, acne and hirsutism reduced, and BMI dropped to 24.5.Testosterone fell to 1.3 nmol/L and insulin resistance improved.After 5 months of combined therapy, ovulation was detected and Ms. Lee conceived naturally.She maintained her pregnancy with Shou Tai Wan under Yong Kang’s supervision and delivered a healthy baby girl at term.

Case 3: Stroke Rehabilitation — Restoring Function Through TCM Acupuncture and Western Rehab Integration

Patient Profile

Mr. Wang, 62 (retired HDB resident), suffered a left-sided ischemic stroke in October 2022.He underwent timely thrombolysis at a partner hospital but was left with partial paralysis and slurred speech. After a month of basic physiotherapy with limited progress, he was referred to Yong Kang TCM Clinic for integrated rehabilitation Collaborative Treatment Plan

• Western Clinic + Community Rehab:

  • Prescribed Aspirin, Atorvastatin, and Mecobalamin to prevent recurrence and support nerve recovery.

  • Provided home-based physiotherapy and caregiver training (e.g., preventing pressure sores, improving mobility).

• Yong Kang TCM Clinic:

  • Diagnosis: “Qi deficiency with blood stasis.”

  • Herbal Prescription: Based on Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Astragalus, Angelica, Peach Kernel, Safflower, etc.) to invigorate blood and restore circulation.

  • Acupuncture: Twice weekly sessions targeting Quchi, Hegu, Zusanli, Yanglingquan, Lianquan, and Tongli to improve limb and speech function.

  • Home Care Advice: Recommended herbal foot soaks with mugwort and safflower to enhance lower limb circulation, and a light diet of porridge, steamed fish, and vegetables.

    
    

After 3 months, muscle strength on the affected side improved markedly —Left arm: from Grade 2 to Grade 4 (able to use a spoon and cup);Left leg: from Grade 3 to Grade 4+ (able to walk independently in his HDB corridor);Speech became clear and fluent. His Barthel Index (ADL score) improved from 30 (severe dependence) to 85 (mild dependence).He has since regained independence and now enjoys daily walks and chess games with friends downstairs.

Conclusion: The Core of Singapore’s Integrated Medicine — Compliance, Localisation, and Personalisation

These three cases demonstrate the value of collaboration between Western medical clinics and Yong Kang TCM Clinic in Singapore:

1. Lung Cancer: Western medicine controls tumor growth; TCM reduces chemotherapy side effects, improving tolerance and recovery.

2. PCOS: Western medicine regulates hormones and metabolism; TCM addresses root causes (phlegm-damp and liver stagnation) common in Singapore’s humid, high-stress environment.

3. Stroke Recovery: Western medicine prevents recurrence; TCM herbal therapy and acupuncture accelerate functional restoration in elderly patients.

⚠️ Important Note:

Integrated treatment must be conducted under licensed practitioners — from TCM Practitioners Board-certified TCM clinics and registered Western clinics.Patients should never discontinue prescribed Western medication (such as chemotherapy or diabetic drugs) without medical advice.

Because of its compliance, community proximity, and customised approach, this “Western + TCM collaboration model” is fast becoming a mainstream option for chronic disease management and recovery in Singapore.