Research Progress on Shengxian Decoction in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rates among malignant tumors in China, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 80%-85% of lung cancer cases. In recent years, treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have advanced significantly; however, issues such as numerous complications, severe side effects, and increased drug resistance remain. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach for treating NSCLC without these drawbacks, which has attracted considerable attention. The fundamental pathogenesis of NSCLC in TCM is characterized by Qi deficiency and Qi sinking, encapsulated in the saying, "When the righteous Qi is present, evil cannot invade." The great Qi resides in the chest, and its sinking makes one susceptible to cancer toxins. Shengxian Decoction is a representative formula for treating Qi sinking syndrome. Clinical and experimental studies have confirmed that Shengxian Decoction is effective against NSCLC, demonstrating good results in inhibiting tumor proliferation, promoting tumor cell apoptosis, blocking tumor cell invasion and metastasis, reducing inflammation, and preventing tumor cell immune evasion. Research at the levels of network pharmacology and molecular biology has also identified several active components in Shengxian Decoction with anti-lung cancer properties, which exert their effects through multiple targets. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive literature on the use of Shengxian Decoction for treating NSCLC. This paper reviews the effects of Shengxian Decoction on NSCLC from the perspectives of theoretical origins, material basis, network pharmacology, and experimental and clinical studies, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Shengxian Decoction.