Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine as sensitizer in reversing chemoresistance of colorectal cancer

Abstract

In recent years, the incidences and mortalities from colorectal cancer (CRC) have been increasing; therefore, there is an urgent need to discover newer drugs that enhance drug sensitivity and reverse drug tolerance in CRC treatment. With this view, the current study focuses on understanding the mechanism of CRC chemoresistance to the drug as well as exploring the potential of different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in restoring the sensitivity of CRC to chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, the mechanism involved in restoring sensitivity, such as by acting on the target of traditional chemical drugs, assisting drug activation, increasing intracellular accumulation of anticancer drugs, improving tumor microenvironment, relieving immunosuppression, and erasing reversible modification like methylation, have been thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, the effect of TCM along with anticancer drugs in reducing toxicity, increasing efficiency, mediating new ways of cell death, and effectively blocking the drug resistance mechanism has been studied. We aimed to explore the potential of TCM as a sensitizer of anti-CRC drugs for the development of a new natural, less-toxic, and highly effective sensitizer to CRC chemoresistance.

Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jie Geng and Huang Qi combination on reducing surgical site infections in colorectal cancer surgeries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…22 Additionally, as highlighted in studies like those by Lin et al, the varied methodologies and populations across studies may affect the generalizability of our findings. 23 In conclusion, our meta-analysis provides encouraging evidence for the use of Jie Geng and Huang Qi in reducing PWIs and enhancing recovery in colorectal cancer surgeries. These findings suggest the potential of TCM as a valuable adjunct in postoperative care, echoing the sentiments of studies like those by Gao et al Future research should not only focus on conducting highquality RCTs but also delve into the pharmacological interactions and safety profiles of TCM, as suggested by recent studies.…”

“…The quality assessment revealed that the majority of the studies included were of suboptimal quality, a concern also raised in other systematic reviews within the field 22 . Additionally, as highlighted in studies like those by Lin et al, the varied methodologies and populations across studies may affect the generalizability of our findings 23 …”

“… 22 Additionally, as highlighted in studies like those by Lin et al, the varied methodologies and populations across studies may affect the generalizability of our findings. 23 …”

Mechanism of Bazhen decoction in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

“…Traditional Chinese medicine's characteristics encompass many ingredients, targets, and synergistic effects. Inducing cell apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis, modulating chemotherapy resistance, tumor metabolism, and tumor immune regulation may treat colorectal cancer (54)(55)(56). In contrast to the adverse effects associated with chemotherapy drugs, including bone marrow suppression, reduced blood cell count, gastrointestinal reactions, liver function impairment, and alopecia, the use of traditional Chinese medicine for treating colorectal cancer exhibits a lower incidence of side effects and drug resistance (57,58).…”

Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines

“…However, issues concerning their bioavailability and toxicity have impeded their clinical application. By encapsulating TCMs, nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and organic nanoparticles, can shield them from decomposition in the biological milieu [ 253 ]. In addition, they can increase the solubility and stability of TCMs, resulting in greater absorption and bioavailability.…”