Abstract:
In recent years, accurate radiotherapy of esophageal cancer has effectively improved the therapeutic gain ratio and minimized the exposure of healthy tissues around the tumor. Nonetheless, the adverse effects and complications of radiotherapy are unavoidable. At the same time, because of the different biological characteristics and individual specificity, altering therapy for improving radiosensitivity is urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) attaches great importance to the whole body and regulates the balance of the body. It has great advantages in anti-cancer treatment, reducing radiation damage, and improving the efficacy of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy combined with TCM in the treatment of esophageal cancer is a special form of cancer prevention and treatment in China. In this review, the effect and mechanism of radiosensitization and decreasing toxicity function of Chinese medicine are summarized.