Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating tumor microenvironment

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in facilitating tumorigenesis and progression. Consequently, there is significant research interest within the oncology community in developing interventions that target the TME. Extensive research has been conducted on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in tumor therapy, revealing notable similarities between its theoretical framework and that of the TME. TCM has the ability to regulate various components of the microenvironment, including the modulation of proportions of T cell subsets, enhancement of the quantity and activity of NK cells, regulation of polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, suppression of expression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, reduction of accumulation of tumor-associated endothelial cells, downregulation of the quantity and function of tumor-associated fibroblasts, and modulation of the architecture of the extracellular matrix. These multifaceted interventions ultimately lead to the attainment of anti-tumor objectives. This comprehensive review encompasses a thorough analysis of relevant literature from both domestic and international sources, with a specific emphasis on elucidating the mechanisms through which TCM compound formulas, single drugs, and monomeric components regulate the TME.