Exploring the Mechanism and Therapeutic Approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Enhancing Tumor Immunotherapy Efficacy Based on the Theory of"Deficiency and Stagnation of Qi"
ZENG Yumei
XU Yun
FU Li
SONG Jiayi
ZHANG Zipei
Abstract：Immunotherapy has become one of the pivotal modalities in cancer treatment in recent years.However,challenges remain,including limited beneficiary populations and an unpredictable benefit-risk profile.Based on the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory of"deficiency and stagnation of Qi",this study aims to identify entry points for enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.It proposes that"deficiency and stagnation of Qi"constitutes a core pathological process in cancer pathogenesis and may be potentially associated with the mechanisms underlying the formation of immune desert,immune privilege,and immune escape within the tumor microenvironment.Accordingly,this paper advocates that TCM-assisted enhancement of tumor immunotherapy should follow the principle of"tonifying deficiency and resolving stagnation",focusing on regulating the lung,spleen,and kidney,while also addressing phlegm and blood stasis.By modulating Qi dynamics to disrupt stagnation and achieving a balanced integration of tonification and dispersion,it is possible to improve the body's immune function,reverse the tumor immunosuppressive state,and thereby help overcome the current limitations of immunotherapy.
Keywords：Deficiency and stagnation of QiSynergistic enhancementImmunotherapyMalignant tumor
Publication Date：2025-12-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-07(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 2146-2150 )