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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
09:19

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Published on: February 6, 2015

Mechanisms of cancer chemopreventive agents: a perspective

Jacquelyn Francy-Guilford1, John M Pezzuto

  • 1College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA.

Planta Medica
|June 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Defining the exact molecular mechanisms of cancer chemopreventive agents like resveratrol remains challenging. Advanced computational and physiological models are crucial for guiding future drug development and combination therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The precise molecular mechanisms of action for many cancer chemopreventive agents are not fully understood despite extensive research.
  • Observed biological responses at the cellular and gene expression levels are complex and numerous, complicating mechanism elucidation.
  • Combining chemopreventive agents, while anticipated to improve clinical outcomes, further complicates understanding their mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges in defining molecular mechanisms of cancer chemopreventive agents.
  • To propose advanced approaches for deciphering critical pathways for targeted drug development.
  • To emphasize the need for a semi-empirical approach in chemopreventive drug development.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewing existing research on resveratrol, curcumin, and EGCG as examples.
  • Discussing the utility of complex physiological systems and computational models.
  • Acknowledging the necessity of human trials for definitive clinical efficacy data.

Main Results:

  • A definitive molecular mechanism of action is not available for many cancer chemopreventive agents.
  • Complex biological responses and gene expression data present significant challenges.
  • Combination therapies add further complexity to mechanistic understanding.

Conclusions:

  • Complex physiological systems and computer models offer the best hope for identifying key therapeutic pathways.
  • A semi-empirical approach to chemopreventive drug development is currently adequate.
  • Prioritizing the limitation of toxic side effects is essential during development.

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