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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Phytochemicals in thyroid cancer: analysis of the preclinical studies
Stefania Bulotta1, Francesca Capriglione1, Marilena Celano1
1Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
Purpose:
In the search for novel effective compounds to use in thyroid cancer (TC) unresponsive to current treatment, attention has recently focused on plant-derived compounds with anticancer activity. In this review, we discuss the preclinical studies demonstrating phytochemical activity against thyroid cancer cells.
Results/Conclusions:
In particular, we describe their antiproliferative properties or ability to re-induce iodine retention, thus supporting their potential use as single agents or adjuvants in radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer treatment.
Insights
Plant compounds show promise for treating thyroid cancer (TC) resistant to current therapies. These phytochemicals exhibit anticancer effects and may help restore iodine uptake, aiding radioiodine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Thyroid cancer (TC) presents challenges, particularly radioiodine-resistant forms.
- Current treatments for refractory TC are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical evidence of plant-derived compounds' efficacy against thyroid cancer.
- To explore phytochemicals as potential single agents or adjuvants for radioiodine-resistant TC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies on phytochemicals and thyroid cancer.
- Analysis of studies reporting antiproliferative effects.
- Examination of studies assessing iodine retention capabilities.
Main Results:
- Numerous plant-derived compounds demonstrate significant antiproliferative activity against thyroid cancer cells.
- Certain phytochemicals show potential to re-induce iodine retention in resistant cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for novel thyroid cancer therapies.
- These compounds may serve as valuable adjuncts to radioiodine treatment in refractory cases.
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