Pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating gastric cancer:A focus on the ferroptosis regulation

Shanshan GaoHuijuan Wang^*

• Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China

GC ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors globally. The incidence and mortality rates associated with this disease are rising annually, positioning it as a substantial public health concern that represents a serious threat to human health. Despite considerable advancements in the treatment of GC in recent years, the overall median survival rate remains relatively low. This is primarily attributed to the high rates of metastasis and recurrence, as well as the limited sensitivity of patients to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Ferroptosis is a type of PCD that is characterized by the initiation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Its significant role in the onset and progression of GC has attracted considerable attention from the scientific community. Research has demonstrated that ferroptosis inducers not only promote the death of cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth, but also enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicine has garnered significant attention as an emerging treatment modality for cancer. Its multi-targeted effects and relative safety profile have contributed to the growing recognition of this therapeutic approach. Currently, various Chinese herbal medicines have been demonstrated to exhibit notable inhibitory effects against gastric cancer. Therefore, this article systematically reviews the potential mechanisms through which traditional Chinese medicine extracts and traditional Chinese medicine formulas may exert their effects against GC, with a particular focus on the role of ferroptosis. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding the relationship between "multi-target effects of Chinese herbal medicine" and "precise regulation of ferroptosis," providing theoretical insights for clinical translation and contributing to the development of novel anti-cancer therapies.