Traditional Chinese medicine and modern technology: Network pharmacology and omics sequencing in gastric cancer.

Abstract

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Micucci et al published in the recent issue. We focus on the heterogenous nature of gastric cancer (GC) and the potential benefits of integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the modern technology of network pharmacology (NP) and omics sequencing. GC is a heterogenous disease, as it incorporates several biochemical pathways that contribute to pathogenesis. TCM acknowledges the multifactorial, heterogenous nature of disease and utilizes an integrative approach to medicine. NP, a modern philosophy within drug development, integrates traditional knowledge of nutraceuticals and modern technologies to address the complex interactions of pathways within the body. Omics technologies, which is at the core of precision medicine, has allowed for this newfound principle of drug development. Metabolic pathways are better distinguished, leading to more targeted drug development. However, the use of omics technology needs to be employed to better characterize the subtypes of GC. This will allow TCM's use of nutraceuticals in the application of NP to better target metabolic pathways that may aid in the prevention of GC as well as enhance treatment.