The Multidimensional Role and Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer: Current Research Status
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine Research DOI: 10.32629/jcmr.v7i2.5297
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, with incidence rates continuing to rise and a trend toward younger onset. As an important component of comprehensive breast cancer treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays a unique role in “enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity” in adjuvant therapy. This article systematically reviews recent research progress on TCM in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. It summarizes the mechanisms of active ingredients and compound formulas from multiple dimensions, including the regulation of tumor cell apoptosis, intervention in key signaling pathways, modulation of metabolic reprogramming, improvement of the immune microenvironment, and reversal of endocrine resistance. Furthermore, combined with evidence-based medical evidence, the clinical value of TCM in conjunction with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy is analyzed. Research indicates that through a holistic regulatory mechanism involving multiple targets and pathways, TCM offers significant advantages in improving therapeutic efficacy, reducing adverse reactions, and enhancing quality of life. However, systematic elucidation of its mechanisms and the generation of high-quality clinical evidence still require further exploration.
Keywords
breast cancer; traditional Chinese medicine; adjuvant therapy; molecular mechanism; signaling pathway; evidence-based medicine
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Copyright © 2026 Hailin Zhang, Zhi Li
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