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Published on: November 1, 2019
The Role of Curcumin in Prevention and Management of Metastatic Disease
Beatrice E Bachmeier1,2, Peter H Killian3, Dieter Melchart4,5
1Competence Center for Complementary Medicine and Naturopathy (CoCoNat), the Technical University, 80801 Munich, Germany. Beatrice.bachmeier@tum.de.
Abstract:
In the last two decades, targeted therapies have enhanced tumor patient care and treatment success, however, metastatic growth still cannot be stopped efficiently and, therefore, mortality rates remain high. Prevention strategies against formation of metastases are the most promising approach we have, however, due to lack of clinical validation studies, they have not yet entered routine clinical care. In order to smooth the way for efficient prevention, further preclinical and large clinical studies are required. In this context, the underlying molecular mechanisms and factors that lead to metastatic growth have to be explored, and potential preventive agents have to be tested. Thereby, special attention has to be paid to natural bioactive compounds which do not exert major adverse effects, like the plant-derived polyphenol Curcumin, which is known to be a powerful antitumor agent. So far, most of the preclinical studies with Curcumin have focused on its effect on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, although, it is known that it also inhibits metastatic spread in vivo. This review discusses the preventive potential of this natural compound not only against tumor onset, but also against formation of metastases.
Insights
Metastatic growth remains a major cause of cancer mortality. This review explores Curcumin, a natural compound, for its potential in preventing both tumor onset and metastasis formation, highlighting the need for further clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Targeted therapies have improved cancer care, but high mortality persists due to metastatic growth.
- Prevention strategies for metastasis are promising but lack clinical validation for routine use.
- Understanding metastatic mechanisms and testing preventive agents are crucial for clinical translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preventive potential of Curcumin against tumor onset and metastasis.
- To highlight Curcumin's role in inhibiting metastatic spread in vivo.
- To emphasize the need for further preclinical and clinical studies on Curcumin for cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on Curcumin in cancer.
- Analysis of Curcumin's molecular mechanisms related to tumor growth and metastasis.
- Evaluation of Curcumin's efficacy as a preventive agent against cancer and metastasis.
Main Results:
- Curcumin, a plant-derived polyphenol, exhibits potent antitumor properties.
- Studies indicate Curcumin inhibits tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and in vivo metastatic spread.
- Natural compounds like Curcumin offer a promising avenue for cancer prevention with minimal adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin demonstrates significant preventive potential against both primary tumor formation and metastasis.
- Further clinical validation is required to integrate Curcumin into routine cancer prevention strategies.
- Exploring natural compounds like Curcumin is essential for developing effective and safe cancer prevention methods.
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