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Global Translational Medicine Evidence-based approach for TCM development
The successful modernization of TCM clinical Funding
development has the potential to bring significant benefits
to patients worldwide. By integrating TCM into modern None.
healthcare systems, patients may gain access to safe, Conflict of interest
effective, and holistic treatment options that complement
and enhance the current standard of care. Moreover, the The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
modernization of TCM can contribute to the advancement Author contributions
of medical knowledge by fostering a deeper understanding
of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Conceptualization: Shein-Chung Chow
TCM treatments and by identifying new avenues for drug Writing – original draft: Yinuo Zhang
discovery and development. Writing – review & editing: All authors
However, the modernization of TCM clinical Ethics approval and consent to participate
development is not without its challenges. It requires a
collaborative effort among TCM practitioners, Western Not applicable.
clinicians, researchers, and regulatory authorities to Consent for publication
establish standardized diagnostic procedures, evaluation
methods, and regulatory frameworks that are acceptable Not applicable.
to both TCM and Western medical communities. It also
calls for a willingness to embrace innovative thinking and Availability of data
novel approaches to clinical trial design and analysis while Not applicable.
maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor and
ethical conduct. References
Looking ahead, the future of healthcare may increasingly 1. Liu S, Matsuo T, Matsuo C, Abe T. Traditional Chinese
involve the synergy of these two systems. TCM’s plant- medicines and prescriptions brought from China to Japan
based formulations could provide alternative or adjunctive by a Monk (Jianzhen, Japanese: Ganjin): A historical review.
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combination of TCM’s multi-component therapies with 2. International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Available
the precision of WM could lead to more personalized and from: https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/
effective treatments. classification-of-diseases [Last accessed on 2024 Sep 18].
However, achieving this integration will require 3. Lam WC, Lyu A, Bian Z. ICD-11: Impact on traditional
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goal should be to preserve the unique characteristics of doi: 10.1007/s40290-019-00295-y
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safety and efficacy standards expected in modern medicine. evidence-based clinical research of traditional Chinese
This approach not only holds promise for enhancing medicine. Ann Palliat Med. 2021;10(12):12937-12944.
patient care but also for expanding the therapeutic arsenal
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The modernization of TCM clinical development Chinese medicine to emergency medicine. World J Emerg
represents a significant opportunity to harness the potential Med. 2013;4(2):92-97.
of this ancient healing tradition and to bring its benefits
to patients in a safe, effective, and scientifically validated doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2013.02.002
manner. By embracing the challenges and opportunities 6. De Felipe ÍO. The universality of science and traditional
associated with this process, we can work toward a future in Chinese medicine: A philosophical survey. Sci Educ (Dordr).
which TCM and WM are integrated seamlessly, providing 2021;30(6):1353-1370.
patients with the best possible care and outcomes. doi: 10.1007/s11191-021-00249-4
Acknowledgments 7. Zhao C, Liu Z, Lin J, Wang YP, Wang YP, Shang HC.
Standardizing individualized efficacy evaluation to
None. optimize evidence-using pattern in traditional Chinese
Volume 3 Issue 3 (2024) 9 doi: 10.36922/gtm.4190

