Yangli Liu: Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China. ORCID
Cheng Fang: Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China. ORCID
Jiaojiao Luo: Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China. ORCID
Chenyuan Gong: Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China. ORCID
Lixin Wang: Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China. ORCID
Shiguo Zhu: Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China. ORCID
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.
