Advances in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research from the Perspective of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine: From Traditional Wisdom to Molecular Mechanisms
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine Research DOI: 10.32629/jcmr.v7i2.5296
Abstract
NPC is a geographically clustered head and neck cancer driven by EBV, genetics, and environment. Western medicine uses radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy based on staging; advances include IMRT, AJCC 9th edition, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. TCM classifies NPC as “nasal sinusitis” or “malignant nodule”, attributing it to toxin-stasis-phlegm with underlying deficiency, and focuses on supporting healthy qi and syndrome differentiation. Evidence shows TCM injections boost CD3⁺/CD4⁺ T cells; Qingdu Zengye Decoction induces apoptosis via PI3K-Akt; the “toxin-permeating and root-tonifying” approach links TCM to efferocytosis to counter resistance and immune escape. Integrated medicine offers mutual synergy, not simple addition. This review summarizes progress and future directions.
Keywords
nasopharyngeal carcinoma; integrated Chinese-Western medicine; radiotherapy; traditional Chinese medicine injection; network pharmacology; immune microenvironment
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