Exploration on the Formation，Activation，and Elimination Mechanisms of Dormant Cancer Cells and Traditional Chinese Medicine Inhibitory Strategies Based on the Latent Pathogen Theory
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2025.12.005
- VernacularTitle:基于伏邪理论探析休眠癌细胞的形成、激活、消亡机制及中医干预策略
- Author:
Xinmiao WANG
1
;
Xiaoyu ZHU
1
;
Jie LI
1
Author Information
1. Guang'anmen Hospital，Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100053
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
latent pathogen theory;
dormant cancer cells;
qi deficiency;
qi stagnation;
qi restoration;
traditional Chinese medicine therapy
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;66(12):1217-1221
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Based on the characteristics of dormant cancer cells， which are "latency" and "opportunistic activation"， this paper classifies them within the scope of "latent pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It explores the mechanisms of formation， activation， and elimination of dormant cancer cells based on the latent pathogen theory. It is proposed that qi deficiency is the fundamental internal cause for the formation and growth of dormant cancer cells， qi stagnation is the inducing factor for their activation， and qi restoration presents an opportunity for their elimination. Guided by the latent pathogen theory， the TCM strategy for inhibiting dormant cancer cells includes two aspects. On one hand， methods such as strengthening the root， securing defensive qi， and lifting and supporting the body's upright qi are used to reinforce healthy qi and prevent the latency and accumulation of dormant cancer cells. On the other hand， regulating liver qi and warming yang to promote qi transformation are employed to ensure smooth qi movement， thereby inhibiting the activation of dormant cancer cells and disrupting their survival environment.
