Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cancer immunotherapy is an advanced therapeutic approach that harnesses the body's immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with a history rooted in centuries of clinical practice, plays a crucial role in enhancing immune responses, alleviating cancer-related symptoms, and reducing the risks of infections and complications in cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: This review systematically examines the current literature on TCM-based formulations in cancer immunotherapy. It explores the mechanisms by which TCM augments immune responses, particularly focusing on how these formulations influence both innate and adaptive immunity. Various TCM herbs and compounds, their active ingredients, and their application in cancer prevention and treatment were analyzed through an integrated review of preclinical studies, clinical trials, and molecular mechanistic investigations. RESULTS: TCM formulations contribute to cancer therapy by modulating the body's internal environment to improve immune defense. They enhance the immune system's ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, promote apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and augment the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. The review highlights specific TCM herbs and formulations that have demonstrated significant anti-cancer properties, including their ability to strengthen immune responses and provide synergistic effects with existing cancer therapies. CONCLUSION: TCM-derived formulations represent a promising addition to cancer immunotherapy. The mechanisms through which these formulations enhance anti-tumor immunity are multifaceted, involving modulation of immune cell activity, apoptosis induction, and suppression of tumor progression. As cancer immunotherapy evolves, the integration of TCM into conventional treatment regimens may offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects, and improved overall outcomes for cancer patients. Further clinical research is needed to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential and safety of TCM-based immunotherapeutic strategies in cancer care.