Research Progress on the Treatment of Perimenopausal Syndrome in Breast Cancer Using Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70088/455mpb58Keywords:
breast cancer, perimenopausal syndrome, endocrine therapy, traditional chinese medicine, integrative medicine, quality of lifeAbstract
With continuous improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, patient survival rates have significantly increased, shifting clinical attention toward enhancing quality of life during and after treatment. Endocrine therapy remains a cornerstone in the management of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer; however, the perimenopausal-like syndrome it frequently induces—characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, mood disturbances, insomnia, and joint pain—severely compromises patients' treatment adherence and overall well-being. Conventional Western medical interventions primarily rely on hormone replacement therapy and non-hormonal pharmacological agents, yet these approaches are often limited by contraindications, adverse effects, and suboptimal long-term efficacy. Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its holistic theoretical framework and individualized syndrome differentiation methodology, has demonstrated considerable potential in alleviating perimenopausal symptoms, mitigating treatment-related toxicity, and augmenting therapeutic outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of recent clinical and preclinical advances in the management of perimenopausal-like syndrome in breast cancer patients using both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches. Furthermore, it critically examines the synergistic advantages, underlying mechanisms, and future prospects of integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine strategies, with the ultimate aim of offering evidence-based guidance for optimizing clinical practice and improving patient-centered outcomes.References
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