Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Esophageal Cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the common malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. Despite the effectiveness of modern medical interventions such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in treating EC, complications and adverse reactions still exist. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a crucial role in preventing and treating malignant tumors by employing its unique approach based on syndrome differentiation and the concept of wholism. Numerous fundamental experiments and clinical studies have provided substantial evidence supporting the beneficial effects of TCM in managing EC. The pathogenesis of EC and the potential mechanism of TCM intervention in EC treatment are summarized in this review, aiming to offer a novel perspective for EC therapy.