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The immunoregulatory role of traditional Chinese medicine in treating cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy with systemic lupus erythematosus
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Q. Chen   , R. Xue , L. Wu , T. Yang |
| Gastrointestinal Specialty, Shanghai General Hospital Jiuquan Hospital (People's Hospital of Jiuquan), Jiuquan City, Gansu, China , jsef396@163.com |
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Abstract: (14 Views) |
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with increased cancer risk and poor tolerance to radiotherapy. In cancer patients with SLE, radiotherapy can exacerbate immune dysregulation, leading to complications such as gastrointestinal vasculitis and systemic inflammation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly investigated for its ability to regulate immunity, enhance radiotherapy tolerance, and reduce treatment-related toxicities in patients with autoimmune conditions. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CNKI databases (2000–2024). Search terms included systemic lupus erythematosus, radiotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, cancer, and specific herbal agents. Studies were included if they reported radiotherapy protocols in cancer patients with SLE, described TCM interventions, and presented immunological or clinical outcomes. Non-radiotherapy studies, case reports without immunological data, and animal-only experiments were excluded. Results: Several TCM agents demonstrated relevant immunomodulatory and radiotherapy-associated effects. Panax ginseng promoted Th17/Treg balance and enhanced radiosensitivity. Astragalus membranaceus improved immune recovery and reduced radiotherapy-induced suppression. Tripterygium wilfordii provided potent immunosuppression beneficial for SLE control but required toxicity monitoring. Artemisia annua derivatives and Curcuma longa reduced inflammatory cytokines and improved radiation tolerance. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides alleviated radiation-related gastrointestinal complications and reduced systemic toxicities. Conclusion: TCM offers promising adjunctive therapy for cancer patients with SLE undergoing radiotherapy by restoring immune balance and reducing treatment complications. However, the evidence remains limited, heterogeneous, and largely preclinical, underscoring the need for high-quality clinical trials to validate efficacy and safety. |
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| Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine, radiotherapy, systemic lupus erythematosus, immunomodulation, herbal medicine. |
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Full-Text [PDF 663 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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