Clinical Report: Mechanisms of Programmed Cell Death Induced by Traditional Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men worldwide, with increasing incidence rates. Current treatment options often face challenges such as tumor resistance and significant side effects.

Data Highlights

Forty-two drugs in traditional plant medicine have been identified to exhibit significant anticancer activity against prostate cancer.

Key Findings

• TPM can induce apoptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in prostate cancer cells.
• Key signaling pathways involved include PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR.
• Autophagy and pyroptosis are less explored.
• Interrelationships between different modes of cell death in TPM treatment require further investigation.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that TPM may serve as a complementary approach in prostate cancer treatment by targeting multiple PCD pathways. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of less understood forms of PCD, such as autophagy and pyroptosis, in the context of TPM.

Conclusion

The exploration of TPM in prostate cancer treatment emphasizes the importance of understanding PCD mechanisms to enhance therapeutic strategies. Continued research is essential to fully elucidate the potential of these traditional therapies.

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