Molecular Mechanisms of Symptom Fluctuations in Malignant Tumor Patients: Stable by Day and Severe at Night

Mar 23, 2026Journal of Cancer

Molecular Causes of Symptom Changes in Cancer Patients: Stable During the Day and Worse at Night

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Abstract

Evidence suggests that disruptions in core circadian clock genes may facilitate tumor growth and worsen symptoms during nocturnal periods.

Malignant tumor patients often experience symptom severity that varies throughout the day, with patterns observed in traditional Chinese medicine.
Disruptions in circadian clock genes, such as BMAL1 and PER, are associated with changes in cellular metabolism, immune response, and hormone regulation.
These molecular changes may contribute to tumor growth and symptom worsening during the night through various mechanisms.
Potential mechanisms involved include direct tumor invasion, nerve infiltration, inflammation, and altered melatonin secretion.
The article discusses chronotherapeutic strategies and examines the role of melatonin in enhancing targeted cancer treatments based on circadian rhythms.

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Patients with malignant tumors often experience fluctuations in the severity of their symptoms depending on the time of day. In traditional Chinese medicine, symptoms are said to follow a pattern of "mild in the morning, stable by day, worsening in the evening, and severe at night." This article investigates the circadian chronobiology of symptoms and examines their molecular pathophysiology. Evidence suggests that disruptions in core circadian clock genes, such as BMAL1 and PER, along with the dysregulation of cellular metabolic pathways, immune responses, and endocrine functions, synergistically facilitate tumor growth and metastasis during nocturnal periods. These molecular alterations contribute to symptom exacerbation through mechanisms which include direct tumor invasion, neural infiltration, inflammatory processes, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensitization, and abnormal melatonin secretion. The article further explores three chronotherapeutic strategies and assesses melatonin's role in targeted oncological therapy, aiming to optimize circadian regulation and symptom management, thereby providing a scientific foundation for personalized anti-tumor interventions that are based on circadian rhythms.