Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

New anticancer agents: recent developments in tumor therapy

Riyasat Ali1, Zeenat Mirza, Ghulam M D Ashraf

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Anticancer Research
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds like Vinca alkaloids and polyphenols show promise as anticancer agents. Research into plant-derived therapeutics offers a vital strategy for developing effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Current cancer chemotherapies face challenges with tumor recurrence and severe side effects, limiting clinical efficacy.
  • There is a continuous need for novel anticancer drugs with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
  • Natural sources offer a promising avenue for discovering alternative or synergistic anticancer agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the antineoplastic properties of plant-derived chemicals.
  • To highlight the potential of natural compounds as anticancer therapeutics.
  • To explore natural agents as alternatives or adjuncts to conventional chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on plant-derived anticancer agents.
  • Analysis of research focusing on Vinca alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids.
  • Synthesis of findings on the anticancer efficacy and mechanisms of natural compounds.

Main Results:

  • Plant-derived compounds, including Vinca alkaloids and polyphenols, demonstrate significant antineoplastic properties.
  • These natural agents have shown efficacy in cancer prevention and chemotherapy.
  • Specific classes like flavonoids and saponins are extensively studied for their therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Plant-derived chemicals represent a valuable resource for developing novel anticancer drugs.
  • Natural products offer a promising strategy to overcome limitations of current chemotherapeutic agents.
  • Further research into these compounds could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments.

More Related Videos

Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody07:36

Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody

Published on: May 16, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.