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Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences ›› 2024, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (5): 396-411.DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2024.05.030

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Advancements in cellular senescence-based therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer: a comparative study of Chinese and western medications

Tao Zhang1, Haochen Han1, Liang Zhao2, Yijing Zhang1, Yu Deng1, Yongheng He2,*()   

  1. 1 Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
    2 Department of Colorectal and Anorectal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410006, Hunan, China
  • Received:2023-10-12 Revised:2023-11-12 Accepted:2024-01-23 Online:2024-05-31 Published:2024-05-31
  • Contact: Yongheng He
  • Supported by:
    Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation Facial Project (Grant No. 2021JJ30419); Hunan Provincial Key Project of Chinese Medicine Research Program (Grant No. 2021017); Changsha Science and Technology Bureau Key Project (Grant No. kh2201062); Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Postgraduate Innovation Project (Grant No. 2022CX45); Health Commission of Hunan Province 2023 Health Appropriate Technology Promotion Program?(Grant No. 202319019186).

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant neoplasm with complex and poorly understood etiology. Cellular senescence, characterized by irreversible cell division arrest, plays a crucial role in the development of CRC by acting as a defense mechanism against tumor formation. Current clinical treatment modalities for CRC, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, often come with significant side effects and high costs, placing a substantial physical and psychological burden on patients. Consequently, exploring Chinese medicinal treatments with milder side effects and consistent efficacy is essential. Recent research has highlighted the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) components and formulations to modulate the senescence process of cancer cells and exhibit anticancer properties. These findings offer a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of CRC within clinical settings. However, a comprehensive evaluation of how TCM can control cellular senescence to prevent and manage CRC is currently lacking. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical compounds from western medicine, individual components of TCM, and their combinations in recent research that target cellular senescence as part of CRC treatment. The objective is to present new perspectives on CRC treatment and drug development.

Key words: Cellular senescence, Colorectal cancer, Traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, Research progress

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