# Signaling network inhibition by selected traditional Chinese medicine preparations: a novel multi-target paradigm for colorectal cancer therapy

## TL;DR

This review explores how traditional Chinese medicine can target multiple cancer pathways at once, offering a new approach to treat colorectal cancer.

## Contribution

The paper introduces TCM as a multi-target strategy to inhibit CRC signaling networks and reverse drug resistance.

## Key findings

- TCM regulates CRC pathways like PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin to suppress tumor growth.
- TCM modulates pathway crosstalk to enhance chemosensitivity and reduce metastasis.
- The review highlights TCM's potential as a novel signaling network inhibitor for CRC therapy.

## Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, with drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis posing major therapeutic challenges. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), employing a holistic “multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway” strategy, offers a promising complementary approach. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in how TCM monomers and formulations regulate key CRC signaling pathways—including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, and NF-κB—to inhibit tumor proliferation, promote apoptosis, suppress metastasis, and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Emphasis is placed on TCM’s unique modulation of pathway crosstalk, providing new insights into its ability to reverse drug resistance and enhance chemosensitivity. The review further proposes and discusses the future translational potential of TCM-based “signaling network inhibitors” as an innovative strategy in CRC management.