Effects of chronic stress stimulation on the occurrence and development of tumors and the regulatory role of Chinese medicine

Abstract

Chronic stress refers to the continuous non-specific adaptive response of the body caused by the activation of the classic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis neuroendocrine system and sympathetic nervous system, which not only affects sleep quality, appetite, and gastrointestinal function, but also increases the risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, and tumors. Notably, chronic stress has been confirmed to induce tumorigenesis and promote tumor evolution, especially on the immune function of the body and the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is essential and important to improve the emotional disorders caused by chronic stress stimulation in cancer patients. Many studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine and compound regulation can significantly improve anxiety, depression and tumor development in patients. In this article, the mechanism of CUMS affecting tumor and the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine compound are reviewed, so as to provide reference for the adjuvant treatment of cancer by traditional Chinese medicine.