Mechanistic and Clinical Perspectives on Traditional Chinese Medicine in Thyroid Cancer Management

Thyroid cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the endocrine system, comprising various subtypes such as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), and the aggressive anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Despite a generally favorable prognosis for PTC, recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies continue to pose significant challenges. The pathogenesis of thyroid cancer involves genetic mutations in BRAF, RAS, and RET, as well as dysregulated molecular pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and NF-κB, all of which contribute to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. This review highlights how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its extensive history and a diverse range of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources, offers a complementary approach to thyroid cancer treatment. TCM has been shown to modulate various cellular mechanisms, including inhibiting tumor proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and regulating immune responses. Additionally, TCM can influence the tumor microenvironment (TME), reducing immune evasion and improving therapeutic sensitivity. Many TCM compounds have been identified for their ability to target critical oncogenic signaling pathways, offering a holistic approach to cancer treatment with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Furthermore, integrating TCM with modern medicine, including novel formulations and nanotechnology, offers the potential to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Systems Biology also holds great promise for optimizing personalized treatment regimens and advancing targeted therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in thyroid cancer management.