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Chinese herbal medicines for prostate cancer therapy: From experimental research to clinical practice
Fanming Kong1,2, Chaoran Wang1,2,3, Jing Zhang1,2
1Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, China.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer remains the second most common malignancy in men worldwide, is a global health issue, and poses a huge health burden. Precision medicine provides more treatment options for prostate cancer patients, but its popularity, drug resistance, and adverse reactions still need to be focused on. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely accepted as an alternative therapy for cancer, with the advantages of multiple targets, multiple pathways, and low toxicity. We searched the experimental research and clinical practice of CHMs for prostate cancer treatment published in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science in the last five years. We found five CHM formulas and six single CHM extracts as well as 12 CHM-derived compounds, which showed induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest, suppression of angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration of prostate cancer cells, reversal of drug resistance, and enhancement of anti-tumor immunity. The mechanisms of action include the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AR, EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, which are commonly implicated in the development of prostate cancer. We also summarized the advantages of CHMs in patients with hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer and provided ideas for their further experimental design and application.
Insights
Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) show promise in treating prostate cancer by targeting multiple pathways. Research highlights their potential in inducing apoptosis and suppressing tumor growth with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern, with precision medicine facing challenges like drug resistance and adverse effects.
- Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) offer a promising alternative cancer therapy due to their multi-target, multi-pathway, and low-toxicity profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the efficacy and mechanisms of CHMs in treating prostate cancer.
- To identify effective CHM formulas, extracts, and compounds for prostate cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published in the last five years.
- Included experimental and clinical research on CHMs for prostate cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Five CHM formulas, six single extracts, and 12 compounds demonstrated anti-cancer effects.
- These agents induced apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest, while suppressing angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration.
- Mechanisms involved key signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AR, EGFR, and Wnt/β-catenin.
Conclusions:
- CHMs exhibit significant potential in managing both hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer.
- CHMs offer a viable complementary approach, warranting further investigation for clinical application and experimental design.
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