Research Progress on the Application of Antidepressants in Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Depression frequently co-occurs with breast cancer in clinical practice, and the two conditions interact reciprocally to form a vicious cycle that accelerates disease progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory holds that liver qi stagnation intermingled with phlegm and blood stasis constitutes the shared pathogenesis of breast cancer and depression. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that various antidepressants not only alleviate emotional disorders in breast cancer patients but also exert synergistic anti-breast cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, as well as effectively alleviate adverse reactions induced by antitumor therapies. This paper systematically reviews domestic and international research progress, summarizes the clinical application value and action mechanisms of commonly used antidepressants in breast cancer management, and analyzes their clinical advantages and limitations. Meanwhile, it summarizes the dual antidepressant and antitumor efficacy of liver-soothing and depression-relieving formulas represented by Xiaoyao San, together with natural active components such as baicalin and curcumin. This review aims to provide theoretical references and novel perspectives for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine comprehensive intervention, optimization of targeted combination therapy strategies, and research and development of novel adjuvant therapeutic agents for patients with comorbid breast cancer and depression.