Analysis of Syndrome Distribution and Prescription Patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Breast Cancer Based on Data Mining

YANG Dan; SI Fuchun

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-3250.2026.02.031

Abstract：Objective To systematically collate and summarize the distribution of Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes and clinical prescription patterns for breast cancer,providing reference for the selection of formulas and medications in clinical TCM treatment.Methods Literature on TCM diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Medical Online,VIP Database,and SinoMed up to June 30,2024.A database was established,and frequency statistics,hierarchical clustering,and Apriori association rule analysis were performed on syndrome types,symptoms,formulas,and medications using Excel,SPSS Statistics,and SPSS Modeler.Results A total of 164 articles were screened,identifying 36 TCM syndrome types.Common syndromes included Qi and blood deficiency,liver depression and spleen deficiency,liver depression and Qi stagnation,Qi and Yin deficiency,liver and kidney Yin deficiency,and stasis and toxin binding.The database included 257 formulas,among which 47 were classical formulas,primarily Xiaoyao powder,Bazhen decoction,and Liujunzi decoction.A total of 281 herbs were involved,with high-frequency herbs including Baizhu(Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma),Fuling(Poria),Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma),Huangqi(Astragali Radix),Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix),Chaihu(Bupleuri Radix),Baishao(Paeoniae Radix Alba),Chenpi(Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium),and Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis Diffusae Herba).The primary herb efficacies were tonifying deficiency,clearing heat,activating blood and resolving stasis,and regulating Qi.The herbs mainly targeted the liver,spleen,and kidney meridians.Hierarchical clustering analysis of 45 high-frequency herbs yielded four clustered formula groups.Association rule analysis identified 20 herb combinations.Conclusion Breast cancer patients predominantly present with syndromes of Qi and blood deficiency,liver depression and spleen deficiency,and liver depression and Qi stagnation.The fundamental treatment principles focus on supplementing Qi and strengthening the spleen,nourishing Yin and enriching blood,supplemented by herbs for moving Qi,activating blood,clearing heat,resolving toxicity,and dispersing nodules,tailored through syndrome differentiation.