Metabolic theory of ovarian cancer and the potential of traditional Chinese medicine treatment: A hypothetical framework

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the female reproductive system. Its mortality is the highest among gynecological malignant tumors. Its metabolic characteristics play an essential role in the occurrence and development of diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can assist Western medicine and enhance the curative effect in treating OC. Studying its application and intervention on metabolic targets is highly clinical significance. Based on this, this paper reviews the glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism of OC in order to explore the metabolic characteristics of OC. Moreover, the status of TCM in treating OC based on metabolism is reviewed from the aspects of TCM monomer, TCM compound, and TCM external treatment to provide ideas and basis for treating OC with TCM.