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Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Treatment
Yangli Liu1, Cheng Fang1, Jiaojiao Luo1
1Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
Abstract:
In recent years, due to advancements in medical conditions and the development of scientific research, the fundamental research of TCM antitumor treatments has progressed from the cellular level to the molecular and genetic levels. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in antitumor therapy through various mechanisms and pathways. Its mechanism of action is closely associated with cancer biology across different stages. This includes inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, blocking invasion and metastasis to surrounding tissues, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, regulating immune function, maintaining genome stability, preventing mutation, and regulating cell energy metabolism. The use of TCM for eliciting antitumor effects not only has a good therapeutic effect and low side effects, it also provides a solid theoretical basis for clinical treatment and medication. This paper reviews the mechanism of the antitumor effects of TCM based on tumor characteristics. Through our review, we found that TCM not only directly inhibits tumors, but also enhances the body's immunity, thereby indirectly inducing an antitumor effect. This function aligns with the TCM theory of "strengthening the body's resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors". Furthermore, TCM will play a significant role in tumor treatment in clinical settings.
Insights
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) research now explores antitumor effects at molecular and genetic levels. TCM offers effective, low-side-effect cancer treatments by inhibiting tumors and boosting immunity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in treating various diseases.
- Modern research is uncovering the molecular and genetic mechanisms behind TCM's therapeutic effects.
- TCM's role in antitumor therapy is increasingly recognized for its multifaceted mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antitumor mechanisms of TCM based on tumor characteristics.
- To elucidate how TCM impacts cancer biology at different stages.
- To highlight the potential of TCM in clinical cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on TCM and antitumor effects.
- Analysis of TCM's mechanisms targeting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, immune function, genome stability, and metabolism.
- Examination of TCM's dual action: direct tumor inhibition and immune system enhancement.
Main Results:
- TCM exhibits antitumor effects through diverse pathways, including inhibiting proliferation, blocking metastasis, inducing apoptosis, and affecting angiogenesis.
- TCM plays a role in regulating immune function, maintaining genome stability, and influencing cell metabolism.
- TCM demonstrates a "strengthening the body's resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors" effect, enhancing immunity for indirect antitumor action.
Conclusions:
- TCM possesses significant antitumor properties acting through various molecular and genetic mechanisms.
- TCM's ability to directly inhibit tumors and enhance the host immune system offers a promising therapeutic strategy.
- TCM is poised to play a crucial role in future clinical cancer treatment due to its efficacy and favorable side-effect profile.
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