Based on the theory of "Pathogens Lurking in the Collaterals" proposed by Ye Tianshi in "Case Reports for Clinical Practice", the principle of "using insect-form medicines to attack and expel the latent pathogen" provides significant guidance for eliminating residual toxins after bladder cancer surgery. According to collateral disease theory, both surgical trauma and chronic illness leading to deficiency can result in pathogenic toxins invading collaterals with stasis and impairment. This pathological mechanism underlies post-operative recurrence in bladder cancer patients due to pathogens lurking within the collaterals. Based upon the "Pathogens Lurking in the Collaterals" theory and integrating modern medical research, this paper proposes that insect-form medicines can inhibit bladder tumor growth and improve the tumor microenvironment through multi-target actions. These include resolving phlegm and dissipating masses, breaking stasis and unblocking collaterals, searching out toxins and dredging collaterals, and warming the kidney to promote qi flow. Furthermore, we systematically elucidate the clinical deployment patterns of insect-based agents and summarize their characteristic therapeutic applications. It is anticipated that these insights will provide novel perspectives for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the prophylaxis and management of post-resection bladder cancer recurrence.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |