Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in treating cardiotoxicity induced by anticancer drugs
10.11665/j.issn.1000-5048.2025112103
- VernacularTitle:中药治疗抗癌药物引发心脏毒性的研究进展
- Author:
Linling SU
1
;
Xianxia YUAN
;
Wenyu JIANG
;
Ling MO
;
Jiaxue WU
;
Min WANG
;
Dongling LIU
;
Yang HAI
Author Information
1. 甘肃中医药大学药学院, 兰州 730000;陇药产业创新研究院, 兰州 730000;甘肃中医药大学科研实验中心, 兰州 730000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
cancer;
cardio-oncology disease;
cardiotoxicity;
traditional Chinese medicine;
anticancer drugs
- From:
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University
2026;57(3):393-400
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cardiotoxicity induced by antineoplastic agents is an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. This article systematically summarizes the clinical manifestations of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, molecular targeted cancer therapies, and immunotherapeutic drugs, and identifies the core injury mechanisms, including cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity falls under the category of “heat toxins” characterized by dual deficiency of qi and blood, upward flaming of heart heat, stagnation of the heart vessels, and meridian obstruction induced by phlegm-dampness. Therefore, by reviewing the preventive and therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of tonic medicines, interior heat-clearing medicines, blood-circulating and stasis-resolving medicines, phlegm-transforming, cough-suppressing and panting-relieving medicines, and interior-warming medicines, this paper concludes that TCM prevention and treatment of this condition adheres to the formulation principle of “reinforcing healthy qi, removing toxins, and resolving blood stasis”. Its mechanisms of action—including antioxidation effects, regulation of autophagic balance, antagonism of inflammatory responses, and improvement of microcirculation—are highly consistent with modern medical treatment strategies (e.g., dexrazoxane for inhibiting iron-dependent oxidative stress, statins for anti-inflammatory effects). This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the collaborative and precise prevention and treatment of anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity through the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
