Exploring the mechanisms and current status of acupuncture in alleviating tumor metabolism and associated diseases: Insights from the central nervous system and immune microenvironment

Acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese medical treatment, has garnered increasing attention in recent years in fields such as tumor metabolism, the central nervous system, and the immune microenvironment. This paper aims to explore the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and research status of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases. Firstly, we introduce the basic principles of acupuncture therapy, including the theories of meridians and its theoretical basis in tumor treatment. Secondly, we systematically review the mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases, discussing how acupuncture alleviates side effects such as pain, depression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort caused by conventional treatments through modulation of the immune microenvironment, central nervous system, and endocrine system. Subsequently, we discuss the current research status of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases, as well as the application of current research methods and technologies in elucidating acupuncture mechanisms. Additionally, by combining clinical practice with different types of tumor-related diseases as experimental subjects, we demonstrate the application effectiveness and clinical practice experience of acupuncture in tumor treatment. Finally, a comprehensive assessment of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases is provided, summarizing its limitations and prospecting future directions, including interdisciplinary collaboration and personalized treatment. In conclusion, acupuncture, as a feasible adjunctive therapy, is closely related to the central nervous system and the immune microenvironment, holding potential significant value in tumor treatment.