Revolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Anticancer Therapy, Applications and Future Perspective

Background: The battle against cancer has gained the interest of various researchers, scientists, pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical intervenors in China. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the exploration of Traditional Chinese medicine plays an active role in modern medicine and patients with tumors. Method: The literature search was done in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PubChem, Google Scholar, SCI, and various online data sources. The review summarizes the pharmacology and applications of TCM as an adjuvant cancer therapeutic. Results: More than 75% of cancer cases are treated using herbal remedies and alternative therapies like TCM in China. Researchers have focused on Western medicines for inhibiting cancer cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis, with applications of TCM medicines in cancer patients. Furthermore, the complementary and alternative therapies used for cancer patients in China are helpful for cancer-fatigue patients with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Discussion: TCM is a promising strategy for researchers and provides a solid foundation for formulating future hypotheses for studies on TCM-based cancer therapy with fewer side effects and improving patient health. Conclusion: TCM anticancer progress regulates immune responses and the role of natural killer cells, T and B cells, innate immunity, macrophages, and CD4+ lymphocytes. Additionally, chemopreventive measures in TCM nanotherapeutics shed light on underlying cancer mechanisms and cancer-suppressing genes, promoting the survival of cancer-affected patients in China. Further, it provides newer insights into the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine in controlling cancer cell growth, cancer stem cells, DNA methylation, apoptosis, and improving patient compliance, promoting health.