Work

Signaling network inhibition by selected traditional Chinese medicine preparations: a novel multi-target paradigm for colorectal cancer therapy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, with drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis posing major therapeutic challenges. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), employing a holistic "multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway" strategy, offers a promising complementary approach. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in how TCM monomers and formulations regulate key CRC signaling pathways-including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, and NF-κB-to inhibit tumor proliferation, promote apoptosis, suppress metastasis, and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Emphasis is placed on TCM's unique modulation of pathway crosstalk, providing new insights into its ability to reverse drug resistance and enhance chemosensitivity. The review further proposes and discusses the future translational potential of TCM-based "signaling network inhibitors" as an innovative strategy in CRC management.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1719306

Authors: Mingming Zhang, Haoyang Wang, Junying Pan, Yuzhe Jin, Zengde Tan

Institutions: First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Traditional Chinese Medicine Analysis

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801