Potential phytochemicals in the fight against skin cancer: Current landscape and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Skin cancer incidence and mortality have significantly increased globally over the past 30 years.
• Existing treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy face challenges due to developing resistance in skin cancer.
• There is a critical need for novel, cost-effective, and efficient therapeutic strategies to combat skin cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key phytochemicals with potential therapeutic applications against skin cancer.
• To discuss the bioavailability and molecular mechanisms of action of these bioactive compounds.
• To identify current challenges and future research directions in phytochemical-based skin cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on phytochemicals and skin cancer.
• Analysis of research focusing on antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects.
• Examination of molecular pathways regulated by phytochemicals, including angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell cycle.

Main Results:

• Phytochemicals from medicinal plants and dietary sources exhibit significant biological activity against skin cancer.
• These compounds demonstrate potent antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties.
• Phytochemicals can modulate critical molecular processes involved in cancer progression, such as angiogenesis and metastasis.

Conclusions:

• Phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for developing novel skin cancer therapeutics.
• Further research into their therapeutic potential, bioavailability, and mechanisms is warranted.
• Addressing current challenges is crucial for advancing phytochemical-based cancer treatments.