Role of flavonoids in future anticancer therapy by eliminating the cancer stem cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Metastasis and recurrence remain significant challenges in conventional cancer therapy.
• Current treatments often spare cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor initiation and relapse.
• Targeting CSCs is crucial for improving cancer management and achieving disease-free survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the inhibitory effects of flavonoids on cancer stem cell self-renewal and survival.
• To explore the potential of natural and synthetic flavonoids as anticancer agents targeting CSCs.

Main Methods:

• Compilation and analysis of existing data on flavonoid action against CSCs from various origins.
• Review of studies investigating the impact of flavonoids on stemness markers, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell migration.
• Examination of flavonoid-induced sensitization of CSCs to conventional chemotherapy.

Main Results:

• Flavonoids, including genistein, catechins, and quercetin, demonstrate the ability to suppress CSC stemness markers and properties.
• These compounds inhibit EMT traits and migratory characteristics of CSCs.
• Flavonoids sensitize CSCs to standard chemotherapeutic drugs, enhancing their efficacy.
• Flavonoids act via multiple signal transduction pathways, suggesting broad therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• Flavonoids are promising candidates for novel anticancer therapies due to their CSC-targeting capabilities.
• Combining flavonoids with conventional treatments may lead to a shift from palliative care to curative strategies.
• Flavonoid-based therapies hold potential for achieving long-term disease-free survival by eliminating the root cause of cancer.