Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Moxibustion in Tumor Treatment and Rehabilitation Based on Modulation of Tumor Immune Microenvironment

Abstract

The immunosuppressive state of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is one of the core drivers of tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, recurrence and metastasis, and represents a major research hotspot in the field of oncology. As a classic external therapy of traditional Chinese medicine characterized by "thermal stimulation-acupoint regulation-systemic response", moxibustion exhibits promising application prospects in remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. This paper systematically elaborates on the TCM theoretical basis, modern molecular mechanisms, preclinical experimental evidence and clinical studies concerning moxibustion-mediated regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. It further summarizes recent research data regarding moxibustion’s modulatory effects on immune cell subsets, cytokine networks and immune checkpoint pathways, and explores the unique advantages of moxibustion in enhancing anti-tumor efficacy and alleviating toxic and side effects induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.