Review of the Mechanism of Triptolide in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Background: Lung cancer is a highly lethal malignancy that affects millions of people worldwide. Treatment remains challenging, particularly due to tumor invasion and metastasis. While previous studies have explored various therapeutic approaches, the multifaceted mechanisms of triptolide in lung cancer treatment have not been comprehensively reviewed. Objectives: This study aims to provide a systematic and in-depth analysis of recent research on triptolide and its derivatives, focusing on their anti-lung cancer mechanisms. Methodology: A thorough review of the literature was conducted to examine the effects of triptolide on lung cancer cells, including its roles in inducing apoptosis, enhancing immune response, inhibiting invasion and migration, combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and reversing therapy resistance. Results: Triptolide exerts significant anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, not only via established mechanisms such as apoptosis induction and metastasis suppression, but also through novel processes like cuproptosis (copper-dependent cell death). It also modulates inflammatory factors and immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Conclusion: This review offers new perspectives on triptolide’s anti-cancer mechanisms and provides a valuable scientific foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drugs for lung cancer treatment.