Phytochemicals in cancer cell chemosensitization: Current knowledge and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with chemoresistance posing a major therapeutic challenge.
• Chemoresistance develops through cancer cells modulating survival and oncogenic signaling pathways.
• Multitargeted agents are emerging as a strategy to overcome drug resistance by suppressing these pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of natural phytochemicals as chemosensitizing agents in cancer therapy.
• To explore how these agents can overcome chemoresistance and sensitize cancer cells to conventional drugs.
• To provide a perspective on the future application of natural compounds in cancer drug development.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.
• Analysis of data on phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, tocotrienol, and quercetin.
• Examination of mechanisms by which phytochemicals modulate cancer cell pathways.

Main Results:

• Phytochemicals demonstrate multitargeted properties with lower toxicity.
• These agents can inhibit anti-apoptotic proteins and activate pro-apoptotic proteins.
• Phytochemicals modulate key factors in tumor growth, including transcription factors, kinases, and cell cycle regulators.

Conclusions:

• Natural chemosensitizing agents, like phytochemicals, show significant potential in overcoming cancer drug resistance.
• These compounds offer a less toxic, multitargeted approach to enhance conventional chemotherapy efficacy.
• Natural agents are poised to play a crucial role in future cancer treatment strategies and drug development.