Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of intestinal cancer: preclinical studies and potential clinical applications

Mol Cancer. 2024 Oct 1;23(1):217. doi: 10.1186/s12943-024-02135-3.

Abstract

Intestinal cancer (IC) poses a significant global health challenge that drives continuous efforts to explore effective treatment modalities. Conventional treatments for IC are effective, but are associated with several limitations and drawbacks. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) plays an important role in the overall cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies. Recent years have seen a growing body of research focus on the potential of CHM in IC treatment, showing promising results in managing IC and mitigating the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review provides updated information from preclinical research and clinical observation on CHM's role in treatment of IC, offering insights into its comprehensive management and guiding future prevention strategies and clinical practice.

Keywords: Anti-cancer effects; Chinese herbal formulae; Chinese herbal medicine; Clinical application; Intestinal cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal* / pharmacology
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Intestinal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / methods

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal