Abstract
Ovarian cancer, a frequently occurring gynecological malignancy with a poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate below 45%, often progresses due to metastatic colonization. This review highlights the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers as anticancer agents that inhibit the metastatic colonization of ovarian cancer cells. TCM monomers exhibit various mechanisms of action, including (1) inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation by modulating cell adhesion molecules; (2) reducing extracellular matrix damage through inhibition of degrading enzymes; (3) affecting cytoskeletal dynamics to alter cell movement; and (4) preventing angiogenesis by downregulating angiogenic factors. Additionally, TCM monomers can reshape the tumor microenvironment, enhance immune responses, and induce oxidative stress, resulting in reduced proliferation and survival of cancer cells. The comprehensive action of TCM monomers makes them promising candidates for individualized, multi-target therapies in drug-resistant cases. This paper reviews the current research on the mechanisms through which TCM monomers combat metastatic colonization, aiming to provide insights for future studies and clinical applications in ovarian cancer treatment, ultimately offering hope to affected patients.