Research Progress in the Treatment of Radiation Enteritis with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Radiation enteritis (RE) is an inflammatory response induced by radiation exposure and represents an intestinal complication arising from radiotherapy for malignant tumors in the pelvic and abdominal cavity as well as the retroperitoneum. It can affect the rectum, colon, and small intestine, severely impacting patients' quality of life. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the fundamental pathogenesis of RE lies in the accumulation of heat-toxicity and damage to the spleen and stomach. Treatment should focus on the disease characteristics of deficiency in origin and excess in manifestation, as well as individualized therapy aimed at nourishing and protecting the spleen and stomach. The therapeutic principles follow the clearing of heat-toxicity, resolving dampness, strengthening the spleen, astringing the intestines, and stopping diarrhea. This article reviews the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of RE in modern medicine and TCM, as well as relevant research on TCM treatments, including internal treatment, external treatment, comprehensive internal and external treatment, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, and prevention. The following summarizes the progress of related research in recent years.