治疗肺结核等结核病：用蟾酥水溶性注射液每日16-20mg肌注，3个月为1个疗程，临床治疗浸润型肺结核26例，慢性纤维空洞型肺结核3例，胸膜炎1例，淋巴结核4例，骨结核2例，腰椎结核3例，结核性骨髓炎3例，副睾结核1例，共计43例，总有效率83.7%，痊愈率和显效率为46·5%。
治疗肿瘤：现代研究证明蟾蜍内脂类有抗肿瘤作用，蟾酥提取物在体外能抑制人的肝癌，卵巢腺癌、颧上下颌未分化癌、间皮癌、胃癌、脾胃瘤、唇癌、软肉瘤等肿瘤细胞的呼吸。华蟾蜍毒素、华蟾蜍次素，均有明显的抗肿瘤作用。蟾皮和蟾胆汁对小鼠移植性宫颈癌U14和腹水型肝癌的生长有抑制作用，能抑制人肝癌和白血病细胞的呼吸，提高机体免疫力。为此，有很多肿瘤医师作了大量的临床研究。
1、治疗肝癌。骆氏用复方蟾龙丸（蟾酥、天龙、儿茶、藤梨根、夏枯草等组成）治疗原发性肝癌137例，显效21例，有效45例，无效71例，有效率48.2%。有人用复方蟾酥片治疗晚期肝癌2例，取得腹水消退，胃纳增加，病情稳定的良效。民间用活蟾蜍5只，黄酒500克，共蒸1小时，去蟾取酒，每日30克，对色滞血瘀，肝郁不舒之肝癌痛者有效。
2、治疗食管癌、胃癌。王氏用复方蟾皮胶囊治疗晚期癌症219例，其中食管癌38例，胃癌35例，总缓解率分别为46.7%、33.5%用复方蟾皮胶囊加放疗治疗100例晚期食道癌，总缓解率达72%，比单纯放疗组（34.4%）提高了37.6%。李氏用蟾-50治疗恶性肿瘤114例，其中食管癌23例，胃癌22例，有效分别为11例、16例。戚氏用金蟾片治疗食管癌19例，胃癌16例，结果完全缓解1例，部分缓解8例，稳定18例，无效8例，总有效率77%。北京市肿瘤医院报道："5-FU与蟾蜍制剂合用可以增效减毒，改善食管癌、贲门癌术后甲皱微循环与血液流变性。"
3、治疗肺癌。马氏用肺癌4号方（八角金盘、干蟾皮、鱼腥草等）治疗本病48例，结果存活5年以上者5例，3年以上者20例，2年以上者17例，1年以上者6例。陈氏用五虫散（守宫、全蝎、干蟾、水蛭、川贝）共治95例，显效6例，占6.3%，有效52例，占54.8%。周氏用鹤蟾片（仙鹤草、蟾蜍、人参）治疗肺癌102例，其中显效7例，有效63例，无效32例，总有效率68.6%。唐氏从原发性肺癌患者肿瘤大小，血清脂质结合吐液酸，血清总唾液酸变化水平来比较分析中药鹤蟾片与放疗对肺癌的疗效，结果提示鹤蟾片对各型肺癌均有明显效果，对小细胞肺癌的效果更优于放疗。李氏用干蟾皮制成5%静脉注射液，对肺癌及多种肿瘤有治疗效果。蒋氏用蟾酥水溶性总成份注射液治疗164例肺癌，总有效率为67.07%。1年、3年、5年的生存率分别为46.43%、7.32%、1.83%。骆氏用蟾酥油注射液配合化疗治疗肺癌48例，有效率85%，16例肿块消失。
4、治疗白血病。于氏以中药蟾蜍酒治疗各型白血病52例，总缓解率为75%，完全缓解率25%，其中对急性白血病疗效最好，完全缓解率为33.3%，总缓解88.8%（9例），对白血病前期及慢粒疗效也较显著，对早幼粒及急单疗效较差。张氏以蟾蜍煮鸡蛋治疗急性粒细胞性白血病，可延长缓解期与生存期。有人用六神丸治疗急慢性白血病10例，完全缓解2例，进步5例，部分缓解1例，无效2例，10天后白细胞总数开始下降，脾脏缩小，随之自觉症状轻或消失，血红蛋白、血小板上升。
5、治疗肠癌。李氏用蟾-50注射剂加入葡萄液中静注治疗肠癌12例，证明有较好疗效。王氏 用复方蟾皮胶囊治疗晚期癌症多例，其中对肠癌疗效最好，总缓解率55%。贾氏用消癌丸（癞蛤蟆皮粉、蒲公英、大青叶等）治疗直肠癌52例，结果生存10年以上7例，5年以上12例，3年以上16例，2年以上14例，1年以上21例。并通过动物实验证明该方有抑制肿瘤细胞生长之功用，认为其可提高免疫力，增强体质，显著地改善患者的临床症状。
6、治疗泌尿系统肿瘤。郁氏用蟾蜍、僵蚕、半支莲等药治肾盂癌、肾癌多例，的确有效。北京医学院附属一院泌外科用蟾蜍汤 、 蛇舌草、半枝莲水煎代茶，加服中药复方龙蛇羊泉汤治愈一例膀胱癌患者。钱氏用抗癌粉（癞蛤蟆皮、全蝎、当归等）内服治疗前列腺癌31例，显效8例，有效19例，无效4例。
7、治疗乳腺癌。此症多因肝郁气滞，冲任失调所致。顾氏以验方治疗一例晚期乳癌，取得显效。方用活蟾蜍40只，面粉2斤，猛火煮烂蟾蜍，滤取汁，倒入面粉中，加白糖，捏成米粒大，锅上蒸熟，每次15克，日2-3次。此晚期患者已溃烂，广泛转移，按上方治2月症状全消。王氏用复方蟾皮胶囊治疗乳癌患者15例，总缓解率70.5%，
8、治疗皮肤癌。赵氏干蟾蜍、蜈蚣、银花、砂仁、黄连等碾粉冲服，配合外敷，治愈1例头部鳞状上皮细胞癌。余氏用验方（干蟾皮、天虫、当归、丹参、赤芍、蒲公英等）水煎服，治疗面部鳞状细胞癌15例，总有效率81.2%。有报道用蟾酥软膏（蟾酥10克，溶于30毫升清洗液中，再加40克磺胺软膏，共调匀）外敷治疗皮肤癌、恶性黑色素瘤、唇癌、恶性淋巴瘤多例，均获良效。一般用药3天后，癌瘤开始坏死脱落，约18天左右，创面可基本愈合。
9、止痛。郭氏等报道，以癌痛灵（蟾酥、蜈蚣、地鳖虫、骨碎补、蛇舌草等）口服治疗各种中晚期中、重度癌痛71例，结果用药后完全缓解者29例，中度缓解33例，无缓解者9例，总有效率87.3%，其止痛作用明显较口服杜冷丁强，缓解时间最长4.2小时，最短1.4小时，平均缓解时间1.8小时。刘氏用蟾酥消肿膏（蟾酥、细辛、七叶一枝花、冰片等）外贴于癌肿疼痛区域，随肿块及疼痛范围决定用药多少，每隔24小时换药1次，停止使用其它止痛剂或麻醉剂。外敷药膏后至疼痛减轻或缓解时间作出疗效计算，结果，187例晚期恶性肿瘤疼痛患者近期镇痛显效率为54.01%，有效率为37.43%，总有效率为91.44%。外贴蟾酥膏后平均起效时间为10-30分钟，平均镇痛时间为3-6小时。用蟾酥膏（蟾酥、川乌、红花等）外敷食管癌、胃癌、肝癌、软肉瘤疼痛处，每天换1次；7天为一个疗程，其镇痛有效率可达92.5%。活癞蛤蟆一只去内脏，以雄黄30克放入其腹内，打烂成糊状，外敷肝区能镇痛。朱氏用鲜蟾皮外敷治疗晚期癌痛20例,全部在2小时后疼痛逐渐缓解，24小时达到完全止痛，1次帖敷可止痛达24小时以上，连续帖敷5-7次，疼痛几乎可消失，无需吃止痛药，亦无不良毒副作用。姜氏用冰蟾消肿止痛膏治疗癌痛40例，显效10例，有效42例，无效6例，显效率25%，总有效率85%。王氏用蟾雄膏（蟾酥、冰片、雄黄、铅丹、乳香、没药等）治疗晚期癌痛103例，完全缓解54例，部分缓解40例，无效9例，总有效率为91.26%。
10、对放、化疗的保护。蟾蜍能升高白细胞，提高机体免疫力，临床上常用来防治放、化疗引起的毒副反应。乐氏等用蟾蜍制剂联合化疗治疗恶性血液病时发现：加用蟾蜍制剂组治疗前后白细胞及粒细胞的数值变化无显著差异，而单纯化疗组则差异显著；加用蟾蜍制剂后急性白血病和恶性淋巴瘤患者的感染显著减少，并且平均使用抗生素时间缩短。说明蟾蜍有助于减轻恶性血液病化疗时对骨髓的抑制，对骨髓正常造血细胞的恢复有一定的帮助；且能预防联合化疗时感染的发生，并增加抗生素抗感染的效果。李新民等的研究亦证明蟾皮制剂能不同程度地防治放、化疗引起的白细胞下降，对已下降者可使之回升，且不再下降。
不良反应
蟾蜍、蟾酥服用过量会引起中毒。蟾酥毒有洋地黄作用，小剂量能加强心肌收缩，大剂量则使心脏停于收缩期。中毒早期有胸闷，心悸，轻度发绀，四肢厥冷，面色苍白等，继之头晕 目眩，出汗，烦躁不安，呼吸急促。消化道症状可见恶心呕吐，腹痛，肠鸣，腹泻、粪便呈稀水样，严重者可导致脱水。蟾蜍含有蟾蜍毒素，蟾蜍素及蟾蜍配质等有毒成分，除有强心作用外，还有升压和兴奋呼吸的作用。其对心脏的毒理作用与洋地黄相似，排泄迅速而无蓄积作用。此外可刺激胃肠道。用药过量或煮食蟾蜍，可于食后半小时到一小时内发病。频繁恶心、呕吐、腹痛、腹泻、体力不支、头晕。同时有心悸、胸闷、口唇及四肢麻木，脉缓伴心律不齐等。呼吸变慢而浅，甚至不规则。口唇青紫，抽搐前后可出现循环呼吸衰竭而死亡。解救方法：催吐、洗胃、导泻。静脉注葡萄糖液及维生素等。心律缓慢，心律混乱可用阿托品、氢化考的松等治疗。
临床实践的体会
肿瘤乃痼恶之疾，邪毒结于体内是其根本原因，毒陷邪深，非攻不克，故常用有毒之品，借其性峻力猛以攻邪，即"以毒攻毒"法。某些具有毒性的药物，大多具有抗癌抑癌之功效，故可借其毒性以攻之；肿瘤病人正气多已受损，其治不耐一味猛烈攻伐，当攻补兼施。蟾蜍解毒散痈，通窍止痛，毒解则肌肉和，走阳明能消积滞，邪去则胃气安而热毒自退。其既能抗癌消肿，又能补虚助阳气，提高机体免疫力，集扶正祛邪、镇痛通窍为一体，疗效确实，为临床治疗肿瘤药物之上品，五年来，经临床药用蟾蜍的有3000多例，其中显效10%，有效62%，无效28%。有癌肿消失的、癌块缩小的、带瘤长期生存的，使大多数患者改善了症状，提高了生存质量，延长了寿命。举例如下：
活蟾蜍入药尝试
医药公司及药房仅能提供干蟾皮为处方所用，延用了几十年，但疗效不尽人意，究其原因？可能与蟾蜍保管困难容易霉烂及加工炮制时经高温爆炒，破坏有效成份有关。《神农本草经》云："生者尤良"。有些药材在干制过程中。化学成分不但含量会发生变化，有时其主要成分也会发生变化，取鲜活动物入药，能较好地保留原动物中天然的生物活性分子，基本保持其全部有效成分。我思考着用活蟾蜍入药可能会提高疗效。
患者徐××，男，68岁，家住湖州埭溪大街六号。因咳嗽、痰多、胸闷、气促、不得平卧，于1997年1月入住湖州二院（住院号158299），经X线、CT胸片，抽胸水检查，病理报告："胸膜间皮瘤细胞"，因治疗乏效，迫于无奈，由其在湖州汽车站工作的儿子陪同来我处求诊。脉细数，苔腻舌质红，证属邪毒症块结聚于肺，湿困成饮而成胸水。治则：祛邪散癥、利湿化痰、平喘利水。处方：椒目瓜蒌汤化裁。炙葶苈子30克、桑白皮12克、姜皮6克、姜夏10克、杏仁12克、半枝莲30克、蛇舌草30克、守宫2枚、桔梗10克、炒苍术10克、甘草3克、红枣7枚、防己12克。嘱其家人回去后每天自取活蟾蜍1只去肠入药同煎，每帖煎2汁，分4次饮服，患者回家照此办理。第10天自取2斤重活蟾蜍1只，饮服药汁30分钟后头晕目眩，口唇麻木，胸闷心悸，呕恶，脘腹疼痛，难以忍受，直至夜半才逐渐安宁。次日晨起精神极佳，全身皮屑出现一层层脱落，原先粗糙僵硬的皮肤渐渐变软，老年斑变淡，腻苔退净食欲大增，自觉力大无穷；胸片复查胸水已退，肿块明显缩小.。两个月后，复查多次，均告肿块消失，胸水退净，患者呼吸平稳，健如壮人。服上方1年后停药，至1999年3月，又因咳嗽、胸闷、气急入院，抽胸水2次找到癌细胞，经CT复查再次证实上述诊断。在原方基础上加苦参30克、木通10克。服药后症状又逐日缓解。
用中医药辨证施治，内含活蟾蜍同煎，使患者症状明显改善，胸水消退，肿块消失，令我深感欣慰，并从中得到启发，自此以后，很多肿瘤患者，嘱咐他们自取活物入药同煎。大量的临床实践和病人反馈的信息，使我对活蟾蜍的药用有了进一步的认识。我不但仔细地对每一位患者讲解活蟾蜍内服外用的各种使用方法，唯恐他们使用不当，为防不测，并赠给他们一张说明书。附录如下：活癞蛤蟆的药用方法用量每天一只，中等大小，由小到大，剖腹，去肠洗净与中药同煎。
煎法每帖中药煎二次，每次煎30分钟，煎出的药汁都倒入热水瓶内。服法两煎药汁每天分4次饮服。注意若有严重心悸、腹痛、腹泻等症状应慎用。
活蟾蜍入药治疗卵巢癌化疗后
陈小宝，女性，47岁，家住嘉善干窑宝新路273号。门诊号：4007090。
治疗肺结核等结核病：使用蟾酥水溶性注射液，每日肌肉注射16-20毫克，3个月为一个疗程。临床治疗浸润型肺结核26例，慢性纤维空洞型肺结核3例，胸膜炎1例，淋巴结核4例，骨结核2例，腰椎结核3例，结核性骨髓炎3例，附睾结核1例，共计43例。总有效率为83.7%，痊愈率和显效率为46.5%。
治疗肿瘤：现代研究证明，蟾蜍内酯类成分具有抗肿瘤作用。蟾酥提取物在体外能抑制人肝癌、卵巢腺癌、上下颌未分化癌、间皮癌、胃癌、脾胃瘤、唇癌、软组织肉瘤等肿瘤细胞的呼吸。华蟾蜍毒素、华蟾蜍次素均具有明显的抗肿瘤作用。蟾皮和蟾胆汁对小鼠移植性宫颈癌U14和腹水型肝癌的生长有抑制作用，能抑制人肝癌和白血病细胞的呼吸，提高机体免疫力。因此，许多肿瘤医师进行了大量的临床研究。
1、治疗肝癌。骆氏使用复方蟾龙丸（由蟾酥、天龙、儿茶、藤梨根、夏枯草等组成）治疗原发性肝癌137例，显效21例，有效45例，无效71例，有效率48.2%。有人使用复方蟾酥片治疗晚期肝癌2例，取得了腹水消退、食欲增加、病情稳定的良好效果。民间使用活蟾蜍5只，黄酒500克，共同蒸1小时，去蟾取酒，每日服用30克，对气滞血瘀、肝郁不舒之肝癌疼痛者有效。
2、治疗食管癌、胃癌。王氏使用复方蟾皮胶囊治疗晚期癌症219例，其中食管癌38例，胃癌35例，总缓解率分别为46.7%、33.5%。使用复方蟾皮胶囊加放疗治疗100例晚期食道癌，总缓解率达72%，比单纯放疗组（34.4%）提高了37.6%。李氏使用蟾-50治疗恶性肿瘤114例，其中食管癌23例，胃癌22例，有效分别为11例、16例。戚氏使用金蟾片治疗食管癌19例，胃癌16例，结果完全缓解1例，部分缓解8例，稳定18例，无效8例，总有效率77%。北京市肿瘤医院报道：“5-FU与蟾蜍制剂合用可以增效减毒，改善食管癌、贲门癌术后甲皱微循环与血液流变性。”
3、治疗肺癌。马氏使用肺癌4号方（八角金盘、干蟾皮、鱼腥草等）治疗本病48例，结果存活5年以上者5例，3年以上者20例，2年以上者17例，1年以上者6例。陈氏使用五虫散（守宫、全蝎、干蟾、水蛭、川贝）共治95例，显效6例，占6.3%，有效52例，占54.8%。周氏使用鹤蟾片（仙鹤草、蟾蜍、人参）治疗肺癌102例，其中显效7例，有效63例，无效32例，总有效率68.6%。唐氏从原发性肺癌患者肿瘤大小、血清脂质结合唾液酸、血清总唾液酸变化水平来比较分析中药鹤蟾片与放疗对肺癌的疗效，结果提示鹤蟾片对各型肺癌均有明显效果，对小细胞肺癌的效果更优于放疗。李氏使用干蟾皮制成5%静脉注射液，对肺癌及多种肿瘤有治疗效果。蒋氏使用蟾酥水溶性总成分注射液治疗164例肺癌，总有效率为67.07%。1年、3年、5年的生存率分别为46.43%、7.32%、1.83%。骆氏使用蟾酥油注射液配合化疗治疗肺癌48例，有效率85%，16例肿块消失。
4、治疗白血病。于氏以中药蟾蜍酒治疗各型白血病52例，总缓解率为75%，完全缓解率25%，其中对急性白血病疗效最好，完全缓解率为33.3%，总缓解88.8%（9例），对白血病前期及慢粒疗效也较显著，对早幼粒及急单疗效较差。张氏以蟾蜍煮鸡蛋治疗急性粒细胞性白血病，可延长缓解期与生存期。有人使用六神丸治疗急慢性白血病10例，完全缓解2例，进步5例，部分缓解1例，无效2例，10天后白细胞总数开始下降，脾脏缩小，随之自觉症状轻或消失，血红蛋白、血小板上升。
5、治疗肠癌。李氏使用蟾-50注射剂加入葡萄液中静注治疗肠癌12例，证明有较好疗效。王氏使用复方蟾皮胶囊治疗晚期癌症多例，其中对肠癌疗效最好，总缓解率55%。贾氏使用消癌丸（癞蛤蟆皮粉、蒲公英、大青叶等）治疗直肠癌52例，结果生存10年以上7例，5年以上12例，3年以上16例，2年以上14例，1年以上21例。并通过动物实验证明该方有抑制肿瘤细胞生长之功用，认为其可提高免疫力，增强体质，显著地改善患者的临床症状。
6、治疗泌尿系统肿瘤。郁氏使用蟾蜍、僵蚕、半支莲等药治肾盂癌、肾癌多例，的确有效。北京医学院附属一院泌外科使用蟾蜍汤、蛇舌草、半枝莲水煎代茶，加服中药复方龙蛇羊泉汤治愈一例膀胱癌患者。钱氏使用抗癌粉（癞蛤蟆皮、全蝎、当归等）内服治疗前列腺癌31例，显效8例，有效19例，无效4例。
7、治疗乳腺癌。此症多因肝郁气滞，冲任失调所致。顾氏以验方治疗一例晚期乳癌，取得显效。方用活蟾蜍40只，面粉2斤，猛火煮烂蟾蜍，滤取汁，倒入面粉中，加白糖，捏成米粒大，锅上蒸熟，每次15克，日2-3次。此晚期患者已溃烂，广泛转移，按上方治2月症状全消。王氏使用复方蟾皮胶囊治疗乳癌患者15例，总缓解率70.5%。
8、治疗皮肤癌。赵氏将干蟾蜍、蜈蚣、银花、砂仁、黄连等碾粉冲服，配合外敷，治愈1例头部鳞状上皮细胞癌。余氏使用验方（干蟾皮、天虫、当归、丹参、赤芍、蒲公英等）水煎服，治疗面部鳞状细胞癌15例，总有效率81.2%。有报道使用蟾酥软膏（蟾酥10克，溶于30毫升清洗液中，再加40克磺胺软膏，共调匀）外敷治疗皮肤癌、恶性黑色素瘤、唇癌、恶性淋巴瘤多例，均获良效。一般用药3天后，癌瘤开始坏死脱落，约18天左右，创面可基本愈合。
9、止痛。郭氏等报道，以癌痛灵（蟾酥、蜈蚣、地鳖虫、骨碎补、蛇舌草等）口服治疗各种中晚期中、重度癌痛71例，结果用药后完全缓解者29例，中度缓解33例，无缓解者9例，总有效率87.3%，其止痛作用明显较口服杜冷丁强，缓解时间最长4.2小时，最短1.4小时，平均缓解时间1.8小时。刘氏使用蟾酥消肿膏（蟾酥、细辛、七叶一枝花、冰片等）外贴于癌肿疼痛区域，随肿块及疼痛范围决定用药多少，每隔24小时换药1次，停止使用其它止痛剂或麻醉剂。外敷药膏后至疼痛减轻或缓解时间作出疗效计算，结果，187例晚期恶性肿瘤疼痛患者近期镇痛显效率为54.01%，有效率为37.43%，总有效率为91.44%。外贴蟾酥膏后平均起效时间为10-30分钟，平均镇痛时间为3-6小时。使用蟾酥膏（蟾酥、川乌、红花等）外敷食管癌、胃癌、肝癌、软组织肉瘤疼痛处，每天换1次；7天为一个疗程，其镇痛有效率可达92.5%。活癞蛤蟆一只去内脏，以雄黄30克放入其腹内，打烂成糊状，外敷肝区能镇痛。朱氏使用鲜蟾皮外敷治疗晚期癌痛20例，全部在2小时后疼痛逐渐缓解，24小时达到完全止痛，1次贴敷可止痛达24小时以上，连续贴敷5-7次，疼痛几乎可消失，无需吃止痛药，亦无不良毒副作用。姜氏使用冰蟾消肿止痛膏治疗癌痛40例，显效10例，有效42例，无效6例，显效率25%，总有效率85%。王氏使用蟾雄膏（蟾酥、冰片、雄黄、铅丹、乳香、没药等）治疗晚期癌痛103例，完全缓解54例，部分缓解40例，无效9例，总有效率为91.26%。
10、对放、化疗的保护。蟾蜍能升高白细胞，提高机体免疫力，临床上常用来防治放、化疗引起的毒副反应。乐氏等使用蟾蜍制剂联合化疗治疗恶性血液病时发现：加用蟾蜍制剂组治疗前后白细胞及粒细胞的数值变化无显著差异，而单纯化疗组则差异显著；加用蟾蜍制剂后急性白血病和恶性淋巴瘤患者的感染显著减少，并且平均使用抗生素时间缩短。说明蟾蜍有助于减轻恶性血液病化疗时对骨髓的抑制，对骨髓正常造血细胞的恢复有一定的帮助；且能预防联合化疗时感染的发生，并增加抗生素抗感染的效果。李新民等的研究亦证明蟾皮制剂能不同程度地防治放、化疗引起的白细胞下降，对已下降者可使之回升，且不再下降。
不良反应
蟾蜍、蟾酥服用过量会引起中毒。蟾酥毒有洋地黄作用，小剂量能加强心肌收缩，大剂量则使心脏停于收缩期。中毒早期有胸闷，心悸，轻度发绀，四肢厥冷，面色苍白等，继之头晕目眩，出汗，烦躁不安，呼吸急促。消化道症状可见恶心呕吐，腹痛，肠鸣，腹泻、粪便呈稀水样，严重者可导致脱水。蟾蜍含有蟾蜍毒素，蟾蜍素及蟾蜍配质等有毒成分，除有强心作用外，还有升压和兴奋呼吸的作用。其对心脏的毒理作用与洋地黄相似，排泄迅速而无蓄积作用。此外可刺激胃肠道。用药过量或煮食蟾蜍，可于食后半小时到一小时内发病。频繁恶心、呕吐、腹痛、腹泻、体力不支、头晕。同时有心悸、胸闷、口唇及四肢麻木，脉缓伴心律不齐等。呼吸变慢而浅，甚至不规则。口唇青紫，抽搐前后可出现循环呼吸衰竭而死亡。解救方法：催吐、洗胃、导泻。静脉注葡萄糖液及维生素等。心律缓慢，心律混乱可用阿托品、氢化考的松等治疗。
临床实践的体会
肿瘤乃痼恶之疾，邪毒结于体内是其根本原因，毒陷邪深，非攻不克，故常用有毒之品，借其性峻力猛以攻邪，即“以毒攻毒”法。某些具有毒性的药物，大多具有抗癌抑癌之功效，故可借其毒性以攻之；肿瘤病人正气多已受损，其治不耐一味猛烈攻伐，当攻补兼施。蟾蜍解毒散痈，通窍止痛，毒解则肌肉和，走阳明能消积滞，邪去则胃气安而热毒自退。其既能抗癌消肿，又能补虚助阳气，提高机体免疫力，集扶正祛邪、镇痛通窍为一体，疗效确实，为临床治疗肿瘤药物之上品，五年来，经临床药用蟾蜍的有3000多例，其中显效10%，有效62%，无效28%。有癌肿消失的、癌块缩小的、带瘤长期生存的，使大多数患者改善了症状，提高了生存质量，延长了寿命。举例如下：
活蟾蜍入药尝试
医药公司及药房仅能提供干蟾皮为处方所用，延用了几十年，但疗效不尽人意，究其原因？可能与蟾蜍保管困难容易霉烂及加工炮制时经高温爆炒，破坏有效成份有关。《神农本草经》云：“生者尤良”。有些药材在干制过程中。化学成分不但含量会发生变化，有时其主要成分也会发生变化，取鲜活动物入药，能较好地保留原动物中天然的生物活性分子，基本保持其全部有效成分。我思考着用活蟾蜍入药可能会提高疗效。
患者徐××，男，68岁，家住湖州埭溪大街六号。因咳嗽、痰多、胸闷、气促、不得平卧，于1997年1月入住湖州二院（住院号158299），经X线、CT胸片，抽胸水检查，病理报告：“胸膜间皮瘤细胞”，因治疗乏效，迫于无奈，由其在湖州汽车站工作的儿子陪同来我处求诊。脉细数，苔腻舌质红，证属邪毒症块结聚于肺，湿困成饮而成胸水。治则：祛邪散癥、利湿化痰、平喘利水。处方：椒目瓜蒌汤化裁。炙葶苈子30克、桑白皮12克、姜皮6克、姜夏10克、杏仁12克、半枝莲30克、蛇舌草30克、守宫2枚、桔梗10克、炒苍术10克、甘草3克、红枣7枚、防己12克。嘱其家人回去后每天自取活蟾蜍1只去肠入药同煎，每帖煎2汁，分4次饮服，患者回家照此办理。第10天自取2斤重活蟾蜍1只，饮服药汁30分钟后头晕目眩，口唇麻木，胸闷心悸，呕恶，脘腹疼痛，难以忍受，直至夜半才逐渐安宁。次日晨起精神极佳，全身皮屑出现一层层脱落，原先粗糙僵硬的皮肤渐渐变软，老年斑变淡，腻苔退净食欲大增，自觉力大无穷；胸片复查胸水已退，肿块明显缩小.。两个月后，复查多次，均告肿块消失，胸水退净，患者呼吸平稳，健如壮人。服上方1年后停药，至1999年3月，又因咳嗽、胸闷、气急入院，抽胸水2次找到癌细胞，经CT复查再次证实上述诊断。在原方基础上加苦参30克、木通10克。服药后症状又逐日缓解。
用中医药辨证施治，内含活蟾蜍同煎，使患者症状明显改善，胸水消退，肿块消失，令我深感欣慰，并从中得到启发，自此以后，很多肿瘤患者，嘱咐他们自取活物入药同煎。大量的临床实践和病人反馈的信息，使我对活蟾蜍的药用有了进一步的认识。我不但仔细地对每一位患者讲解活蟾蜍内服外用的各种使用方法，唯恐他们使用不当，为防不测，并赠给他们一张说明书。附录如下：活癞蛤蟆的药用方法用量每天一只，中等大小，由小到大，剖腹，去肠洗净与中药同煎。
煎法每帖中药煎二次，每次煎30分钟，煎出的药汁都倒入热水瓶内。服法两煎药汁每天分4次饮服。注意若有严重心悸、腹痛、腹泻等症状应慎用。
活蟾蜍入药治疗卵巢癌化疗后
陈小宝，女性，47岁，家住嘉善干窑宝新路273号。门诊号：4007090。
Treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and other tuberculosis diseases: Use Chansu water-soluble injection, intramuscularly injected 16-20 mg daily, with a course of treatment lasting 3 months. Clinically treated 26 cases of infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis, 3 cases of chronic fibrocavitary pulmonary tuberculosis, 1 case of pleurisy, 4 cases of lymphatic tuberculosis, 2 cases of bone tuberculosis, 3 cases of lumbar vertebral tuberculosis, 3 cases of tuberculous osteomyelitis, and 1 case of epididymal tuberculosis, totaling 43 cases. The total effective rate was 83.7%, and the cure rate plus marked efficiency rate was 46.5%.
Treatment of tumors: Modern research has proven that bufadienolides from toads have anti-tumor effects. Extracts of Chansu can inhibit the respiration of tumor cells in human liver cancer, ovarian adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma of the maxilla and mandible, mesothelioma, gastric cancer, spleen and stomach tumors, lip cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas in vitro. Bufalin and hellebrigenin both have significant anti-tumor effects. Toad skin (Chanpi) and toad bile can inhibit the growth of mouse transplanted cervical cancer U14 and ascites-type liver cancer, inhibit the respiration of human liver cancer and leukemia cells, and enhance the body's immunity. Therefore, many oncologists have conducted extensive clinical research.
1. Treatment of liver cancer. Luo used Compound Chanlong Pill (composed of Chansu, Tianlong, Ercha, Tengli Gen, Xiakucao, etc.) to treat 137 cases of primary liver cancer, with 21 cases showing marked effect, 45 cases showing effectiveness, and 71 cases showing no effect, resulting in an effective rate of 48.2%. Some used Compound Chansu Tablets to treat 2 cases of advanced liver cancer, achieving good results such as the disappearance of ascites, increased appetite, and stable condition. Folk medicine uses 5 live toads and 500 grams of yellow wine, steamed together for 1 hour, removing the toads and taking the wine, 30 grams daily, which is effective for liver cancer pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, and liver qi depression.
2. Treatment of esophageal cancer and gastric cancer. Wang used Compound Chanpi Capsules to treat 219 cases of advanced cancer, including 38 cases of esophageal cancer and 35 cases of gastric cancer, with total remission rates of 46.7% and 33.5%, respectively. Using Compound Chanpi Capsules combined with radiotherapy to treat 100 cases of advanced esophageal cancer resulted in a total remission rate of 72%, an increase of 37.6% compared to the radiotherapy-only group (34.4%). Li used Chan-50 to treat 114 cases of malignant tumors, including 23 cases of esophageal cancer and 22 cases of gastric cancer, with 11 and 16 cases being effective, respectively. Qi used Jinchan Tablets to treat 19 cases of esophageal cancer and 16 cases of gastric cancer, resulting in 1 complete remission, 8 partial remissions, 18 stable cases, and 8 ineffective cases, with a total effective rate of 77%. Beijing Cancer Hospital reported: "The combination of 5-FU and toad preparations can enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, improving nailfold microcirculation and blood rheology in patients after surgery for esophageal and cardia cancer."
3. Treatment of lung cancer. Ma used Lung Cancer Formula No. 4 (Bajiao Jindan, Ganchanpi, Yuxingcao, etc.) to treat 48 cases of this disease, resulting in 5 cases surviving more than 5 years, 20 cases more than 3 years, 17 cases more than 2 years, and 6 cases more than 1 year. Chen used Wuchong San (Shougong, Quanxie, Ganchan, Shuizhi, Chuanbei) to treat 95 cases, with 6 cases showing marked effect (6.3%) and 52 cases showing effectiveness (54.8%). Zhou used Hechan Tablets (Xianhecao, Chanshu, Renshen) to treat 102 cases of lung cancer, with 7 cases showing marked effect, 63 cases showing effectiveness, and 32 cases showing no effect, resulting in a total effective rate of 68.6%. Tang compared the efficacy of Chinese medicine Hechan Tablets and radiotherapy on lung cancer by analyzing tumor size, serum lipid-bound sialic acid, and serum total sialic acid levels in patients with primary lung cancer. Results indicated that Hechan Tablets had significant effects on all types of lung cancer, with better efficacy for small cell lung cancer than radiotherapy. Li used a 5% intravenous injection made from dried toad skin, which had therapeutic effects on lung cancer and various other tumors. Jiang used Chansu water-soluble total component injection to treat 164 cases of lung cancer, with a total effective rate of 67.07%. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 46.43%, 7.32%, and 1.83%, respectively. Luo used Chansu oil injection combined with chemotherapy to treat 48 cases of lung cancer, with an effective rate of 85%, and 16 cases showed tumor disappearance.
4. Treatment of leukemia. Yu used Traditional Chinese Medicine Toad Wine to treat 52 cases of various types of leukemia, with a total remission rate of 75% and a complete remission rate of 25%. It was most effective for acute leukemia, with a complete remission rate of 33.3% and a total remission rate of 88.8% (9 cases). It also had relatively significant effects on pre-leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia, but poor effects on promyelocytic and acute monocytic leukemia. Zhang used toads boiled with eggs to treat acute granulocytic leukemia, which could prolong the remission period and survival time. Some used Liushen Wan to treat 10 cases of acute and chronic leukemia, with 2 cases of complete remission, 5 cases of improvement, 1 case of partial remission, and 2 cases of no effect. After 10 days, the total white blood cell count began to decrease, the spleen shrank, and subjective symptoms lightened or disappeared, while hemoglobin and platelet counts rose.
5. Treatment of intestinal cancer. Li used Chan-50 injection added to grape juice for intravenous infusion to treat 12 cases of intestinal cancer, proving it had good efficacy. Wang used Compound Chanpi Capsules to treat multiple cases of advanced cancer, with the best efficacy for intestinal cancer, achieving a total remission rate of 55%. Jia used Xiaoaio Wan (Laahanma Pi powder, Gongying, Daqingye, etc.) to treat 52 cases of rectal cancer, resulting in 7 cases surviving more than 10 years, 12 cases more than 5 years, 16 cases more than 3 years, 14 cases more than 2 years, and 21 cases more than 1 year. Animal experiments proved that this formula inhibits tumor cell growth, enhances immunity, strengthens the physique, and significantly improves patients' clinical symptoms.
6. Treatment of urinary system tumors. Yu used toads, Jiangcan, and Banzhilian to treat multiple cases of renal pelvic cancer and kidney cancer, which was indeed effective. The Department of Urology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Medical University used a decoction of Toad Soup, Sheyescao, and Banzhilian as tea, combined with the oral administration of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Longshe Yangquan Tang, to cure one case of bladder cancer. Qian used internal administration of Kangai Powder (Laahanma Pi, Quanxie, Danggui, etc.) to treat 31 cases of prostate cancer, with 8 cases showing marked effect, 19 cases showing effectiveness, and 4 cases showing no effect.
7. Treatment of breast cancer. This condition is mostly caused by liver qi depression and stagnation, and disharmony of the Chong and Ren meridians. Gu used an empirical formula to treat one case of advanced breast cancer, achieving a marked effect. The formula used 40 live toads and 2 jin of flour, boiled the toads thoroughly over high heat, filtered the juice, mixed it into the flour, added white sugar, shaped it into rice-grain-sized pills, steamed them, and took 15 grams each time, 2-3 times a day. This advanced patient had ulceration and widespread metastasis; after treating with the above formula for 2 months, all symptoms disappeared. Wang used Compound Chanpi Capsules to treat 15 cases of breast cancer, with a total remission rate of 70.5%.
8. Treatment of skin cancer. Zhao crushed dried toads, Wugong, Yinhua, Sharen, Huanglian, etc., into powder for oral intake, combined with external application, curing one case of squamous cell carcinoma of the head. Yu used an empirical formula (Ganchanpi, Tianchong, Danggui, Danshen, Chishao, Gongying, etc.) decocted in water for oral administration to treat 15 cases of facial squamous cell carcinoma, with a total effective rate of 81.2%. Reports indicate that Chansu ointment (10 g Chansu dissolved in 30 ml cleaning solution, plus 40 g sulfonamide ointment, mixed evenly) applied externally to treat multiple cases of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, lip cancer, and malignant lymphoma all achieved good results. Generally, after 3 days of medication, the tumors began to necrose and fall off, and the wound could basically heal in about 18 days.
9. Pain relief. Guo et al. reported that using Caitongling (Chansu, Wugong, Dibiechong, Gusuibu, Sheyescao, etc.) orally to treat 71 cases of moderate to severe cancer pain in mid-to-late stages resulted in 29 cases of complete remission, 33 cases of moderate remission, and 9 cases of no remission, with a total effective rate of 87.3%. Its analgesic effect was significantly stronger than oral Pethidine, with remission times ranging from a maximum of 4.2 hours to a minimum of 1.4 hours, averaging 1.8 hours. Liu used Chansu Xiaozhong Ointment (Chansu, Xixin, Qiyeyihua, Bingpian, etc.) applied externally to the painful area of the tumor, determining the amount based on the size and pain range of the mass, changing the dressing every 24 hours, and stopping the use of other analgesics or anesthetics. Efficacy was calculated based on the time from external application to pain reduction or relief. Results showed that among 187 patients with late-stage malignant tumor pain, the recent analgesic marked efficiency was 54.01%, the effective rate was 37.43%, and the total effective rate was 91.44%. The average onset time after external application of Chansu plaster was 10-30 minutes, and the average analgesic duration was 3-6 hours. Using Chansu Plaster (Chansu, Chuanwu, Honghua, etc.) applied externally to the painful areas of esophageal, gastric, liver cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma, changed once daily; with a course of 7 days, the analgesic effective rate could reach 92.5%. One live toad, cleaned of internal organs, with 30 g of Xionghuang placed inside its abdomen, smashed into a paste, and applied externally to the liver area can relieve pain. Zhu used fresh toad skin applied externally to treat 20 cases of late-stage cancer pain. All patients experienced gradual pain relief after 2 hours, reaching complete pain relief within 24 hours. One application could relieve pain for over 24 hours. Continuous application for 5-7 times could almost eliminate pain, eliminating the need for painkillers and without adverse toxic side effects. Jiang used Bingchan Xiaozhong Zhitong Ointment to treat 40 cases of cancer pain, with 10 cases showing marked effect, 42 cases showing effectiveness, and 6 cases showing no effect, resulting in a marked efficiency of 25% and a total effective rate of 85%. Wang used Chanxiong Plaster (Chansu, Bingpian, Xionghuang, Qiandan, Ruxiang, Moyao, etc.) to treat 103 cases of late-stage cancer pain, with 54 cases of complete remission, 40 cases of partial remission, and 9 cases of no effect, resulting in a total effective rate of 91.26%.
10. Protection against radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Toads can raise white blood cell counts and improve the body's immunity, and are clinically often used to prevent and treat toxic side effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Le et al. found when using toad preparations combined with chemotherapy to treat malignant hematological diseases: there was no significant difference in the changes of white blood cell and granulocyte values before and after treatment in the group adding toad preparations, whereas the difference was significant in the pure chemotherapy group; infections in patients with acute leukemia and malignant lymphoma significantly decreased after adding toad preparations, and the average duration of antibiotic use was shortened. This indicates that toads help alleviate the suppression of bone marrow during chemotherapy for malignant hematological diseases, assist in the recovery of normal bone marrow hematopoietic cells, prevent infections during combined chemotherapy, and enhance the effect of antibiotics against infection. Research by Li Xinmin et al. also proved that Chanpi preparations can prevent and treat the decline in white blood cells caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy to varying degrees, causing already declined levels to rebound and not decline again.
Adverse Reactions
Overdose of toads and Chansu can cause poisoning. Chansu toxin has a digitalis-like effect; small doses strengthen myocardial contraction, while large doses cause the heart to stop in systole. Early symptoms of poisoning include chest tightness, palpitations, mild cyanosis, cold limbs, and pale complexion, followed by dizziness, sweating, restlessness, and rapid breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, and watery stools, which can lead to dehydration in severe cases. Toads contain toxic components such as bufotoxin, bufalin, and bufalin glycosides. In addition to cardiac strengthening effects, they also have pressor and respiratory stimulant effects. Their cardiotoxicity is similar to digitalis, with rapid excretion and no accumulation. Additionally, they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Overdose or cooking/eating toads can cause onset of symptoms within half an hour to one hour after ingestion. Symptoms include frequent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, physical exhaustion, and dizziness. Simultaneously, there may be palpitations, chest tightness, numbness of lips and limbs, slow pulse accompanied by arrhythmia. Breathing becomes slow and shallow, even irregular. Cyanosis of lips, convulsions, and potentially circulatory and respiratory failure leading to death before or after convulsions. Rescue methods: induce vomiting, gastric lavage, catharsis. Intravenous injection of glucose solution and vitamins, etc. For slow heart rate and arrhythmia, Atropine and Hydrocortisone can be used for treatment.
Reflections on Clinical Practice
Tumors are stubborn and malignant diseases, with evil toxins accumulating in the body as the root cause. When toxins sink deep and evils are profound, they cannot be conquered without attack. Therefore, toxic substances are often used, borrowing their harsh nature and fierce power to attack the evil, i.e., the method of "using poison to attack poison." Some drugs with toxicity mostly have anti-cancer and cancer-inhibiting effects, so their toxicity can be borrowed to attack the disease; cancer patients often have damaged righteous qi, and their treatment cannot tolerate一味 fierce attack alone; thus, attacking and tonifying should be combined. Toads detoxify and dissipate abscesses, open orifices and relieve pain. When toxins are resolved, muscles harmonize; entering the Yangming meridian can eliminate stagnation; when evils are removed, stomach qi is peaceful, and heat toxins recede naturally. They can both fight cancer and reduce swelling, and also tonify deficiency and assist yang qi, improving the body's immunity. Integrating the support of righteous qi and expulsion of evil, analgesia, and opening of orifices, with confirmed efficacy, they are superior drugs for clinical cancer treatment. Over five years, more than 3,000 cases have been treated clinically with toads, among which 10% showed marked effect, 62% showed effectiveness, and 28% showed no effect. There were cases of tumor disappearance, tumor shrinkage, and long-term survival with tumors, improving symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and extending lifespan for most patients. Examples are as follows:
Attempt at Using Live Toads in Medication
Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies only provide dried toad skin for prescriptions, which has been used for decades, but the efficacy is unsatisfactory. What is the reason? It may be related to the difficulty in storing toads, prone to mold, and the destruction of active ingredients due to high-temperature frying during processing. *Shennong Bencao Jing* states: "Fresh ones are especially good." During the drying process of some medicinal materials, not only do chemical contents change, but sometimes their main components also change. Using fresh live animals in medication can better preserve the natural bioactive molecules of the original animal, basically maintaining all effective components. I thought that using live toads in medication might improve efficacy.
Patient Xu XX, male, 68 years old, living at No. 6 Daxi Street, Huzhou. Due to cough, excessive phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and inability to lie flat, he was admitted to Huzhou Second Hospital in January 1997 (Hospitalization No. 158299). Through X-ray, CT chest film, and thoracentesis examination, the pathology report stated: "pleural mesothelioma cells." Due to ineffective treatment, out of desperation, accompanied by his son who works at the Huzhou Bus Station, he came to seek my consultation. Pulse was fine and rapid, coating was greasy, tongue body was red. The syndrome belongs to evil toxins and masses accumulating in the lungs, with dampness trapping and forming fluid, resulting in pleural effusion. Treatment principle: Expel evil and dissipate masses, promote diuresis and resolve phlegm, calm asthma and promote urination. Prescription: Jiaomu Gualou Tang modified. Zhi Tinglizi 30g, Sangbaipi 12g, Jiangpi 6g, Jiangxia 10g, Xingren 12g, Banzhilian 30g, Sheyescao 30g, Shougong 2 pieces, Jiegeng 10g, Chao Cangzhu 10g, Gancao 3g, Hongzao 7 pieces, Fangji 12g. Instructed his family to go home and fetch one live toad daily, remove intestines, and decoct together with Chinese medicine. Each prescription decocted twice, divided into 4 doses for drinking. The patient followed this upon returning home. On the 10th day, he fetched one 2-jin live toad himself. Thirty minutes after drinking the decoction, he experienced dizziness, numbness of lips, chest tightness, palpitations, vomiting, and unbearable abdominal pain, gradually calming down until midnight. The next morning, his spirit was excellent, layers of skin flakes peeled off his whole body, previously rough and stiff skin gradually softened, age spots faded, greasy coating disappeared, appetite greatly increased, and he felt incredibly strong; follow-up chest film showed pleural effusion had receded, and the mass had significantly shrunk. Two months later, multiple follow-ups all reported mass disappearance and complete resolution of pleural effusion. The patient's breathing was steady, healthy as a strong man. After taking the above formula for 1 year, medication stopped. By March 1999, he was hospitalized again due to cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Thoracentesis twice found cancer cells, and CT re-examination confirmed the above diagnosis. Based on the original formula, Kushen 30g and Mutong 10g were added. Symptoms gradually relieved after taking the medicine.
Using Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome differentiation and treatment, including decocting live toads together, significantly improved the patient's symptoms, resolved pleural effusion, and eliminated the mass, giving me great comfort and inspiration. Since then, many cancer patients have been instructed to fetch live animals themselves for decoction. Extensive clinical practice and patient feedback information have furthered my understanding of the medicinal use of live toads. I not only carefully explained to each patient various methods of internal and external use of live toads, fearing improper use, but also gave them an instruction sheet to prevent accidents. Appendix as follows: Medicinal method and dosage of live toads: One medium-sized toad per day, starting small and increasing. Cut open the belly, clean the intestines, and decoct together with Chinese medicine.
Decoction method: Decoct each prescription of Chinese medicine twice, decocting for 30 minutes each time. Pour the decocted juice into a thermos flask. Administration method: Divide the juice from two decoctions into 4 doses for drinking daily. Precautions: Use with caution if there are severe palpitations, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Live Toad Medication for Chemotherapy after Ovarian Cancer
Chen Xiaobao, female, 47 years old, living at No. 273 Baoxin Road, Ganyao, Jiashan. Outpatient No.: 4007090.