Pathogenesis and treatment strategies of cancer-related cognitive impairment from the perspective of"toxin damaging brain collaterals"
10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.05.018
- VernacularTitle:从"毒损脑络"探析肿瘤相关认知障碍的病机及治疗策略
- Author:
Jie CHEN
1
;
Junhao YU
;
Li SU
;
Miaomiao WANG
;
Mingqi WANG
;
Yue WU
;
Mei ZHANG
Author Information
1. 安徽医科大学第一附属医院中西医结合肿瘤科 合肥 230022;安徽医科大学中西医结合肿瘤中心
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
cancer-related cognitive impairment;
toxin damaging brain collaterals;
etiology and pathogenesis;
concurrent damage of body and spirit;
regulating the body to nourish the spirit
- From:
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;48(5):717-723
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cancer-related cognitive impairment(CRCI)refers to cognitive dysfunction that occurs during or after chemotherapy in patients with cancer.However,the pathogenesis of CRCI remains unclear,and effective treatments are lacking in clinical practice.Based on the"toxin damaging brain collaterals"theory,this study systematically explores the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)etiology,pathogenesis,and treatment strategies of CRCI.In TCM,CRCI is attributed to a"deficiency of brain collaterals"in patients with cancer.Chemotherapy drugs,as exogenous pathogens,invade the brain when the body is weakened and interact with endogenous phlegm,blood stasis,and turbid toxins.This creates a vicious cycle of"toxin,blood stasis,phlegm,deficiency"ultimately leading to the malnourishment of the sea of marrow and the dysfunction of the spiritual mechanism.Modern biological research aligns with this TCM perspective,as neurotoxicity,oxidative stress,and inflammatory responses associated with CRCI correspond to the TCM concepts of"toxin damaging brain collaterals."Pathological changes such as increased microvascular permeability and neuronal network disruption are similar to the TCM pathogenesis characteristics of"toxin and blood stasis blocking the collaterals"and"emptiness of the sea of marrow."Given the progressive nature of CRCI pathogenesis,TCM therapeutic principles focus on strengthening healthy qi,enhancing cognitive function,eliminating toxins,and unblocking collaterals.Acupuncture,moxibustion,and Daoyin serve as supplementary external treatments,forming a comprehensive treatment approach of"treating the viscera through the collaterals and regulating the body to nourish the spirit."This framework provides novel insights for TCM diagnosis and CRCI treatment.
