The Therapeutic Value of Valacyclovir Combined with Thymosin Therapy for Esophageal Cancer Complicated with Postherpetic Neuralgia

2026-03-25T08:41:15+08:00

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of valacyclovir combined with thymosin therapy on patients with esophageal cancer complicated by postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 76 patients with esophageal cancer complicated by PHN who were admitted for treatment from January 2023 to January 2025 were selected and evenly divided into two groups using a random number table. The observation group received valacyclovir combined with thymosin therapy, while the reference group received valacyclovir monotherapy. The overall response rate, pain scores, serological indicators, and T-lymphocyte subsets were compared between the two groups. Results: The overall response rate in the observation group was higher than that in the reference group (P < 0.05). After 10 days of treatment, the pain scores in the observation group were lower than those in the reference group, and the serological indicators and T-lymphocyte subsets were superior to those in the reference group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Valacyclovir combined with thymosin therapy can improve the clinical efficacy in patients with esophageal cancer complicated by PHN, alleviate pain symptoms, regulate serological indicators, and protect the immune function of patients.

An Exploration of the Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Principles of Herpes Zoster Based on the Theory of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation”

2026-04-03T14:18:08+08:00

This paper explores the etiology, pathogenesis, and acupuncture treatment principles of herpes zoster based on the academic perspective of “eliminating the prolonged stagnation” from Ling Shu: Nine Needles and Twelve Source Points. The core pathogenesis of herpes zoster is “deficiency” and “stasis,” with blood stasis being the primary pathological product. The blood stasis obstructs the meridians, triggering neuralgia. The therapeutic principle focuses on promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis and regulating qi to alleviate pain. Guided by “eliminating the prolonged stagnation,” the acupuncture therapy [e.g., He’s Santong needling method: Weitong (normal needling), Wentong (fire needling), and Qiangtong (bloodletting)] acts directly on the stasis areas through techniques like filiform needling, fire needling, and pricking and cupping, thereby effectively alleviating neuralgia caused by herpes zoster. Clinical case studies are used to illustrate the significant advantages of acupuncture therapy under the guidance of the theory of “removing the prolonged stagnation” in treating neuralgia associated with herpes zoster.

Dermatological Health

The Therapeutic Value of Valacyclovir Combined with Thymosin Therapy for Esophageal Cancer Complicated with Postherpetic Neuralgia

An Exploration of the Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Principles of Herpes Zoster Based on the Theory of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation”