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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Resveratrol as Chemosensitizer Agent: State of Art and Future Perspectives
Veronica Cocetta1, Vincenzo Quagliariello2, Francesco Fiorica3
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Resistance to chemotherapy still remains a major challenge in the clinic, impairing the quality of life and survival rate of patients. The identification of unconventional chemosensitizing agents is therefore an interesting aspect of cancer research. Resveratrol has emerged in the last decades as a fascinating molecule, able to modulate several cancer-related molecular mechanisms, suggesting a possible application as an adjuvant in cancer management. This review goes deep into the existing literature concerning the possible chemosensitizing effect of resveratrol associated with the most conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Despite the promising effects observed in different cancer types in in vitro studies, the clinical translation still presents strong limitations due to the low bioavailability of resveratrol. Recently, efforts have been moved in the field of drug delivery to identifying possible strategies/formulations useful for a more effective administration. Despite the necessity of a huge implementation in this research area, resveratrol appears as a promising molecule able to sensitize resistant tumors to drugs, suggesting its potential use in therapy-refractory cancer patients.
Insights
Resveratrol shows potential to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness against resistant cancers. However, low bioavailability remains a challenge, necessitating improved drug delivery strategies for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chemotherapy resistance significantly impacts patient outcomes and quality of life.
- Developing novel chemosensitizing agents is crucial for overcoming treatment challenges.
- Resveratrol is recognized for its ability to modulate cancer-related molecular pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on resveratrol's chemosensitizing effects when combined with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
- To explore the potential of resveratrol as an adjuvant therapy for various cancer types.
- To identify challenges and potential solutions for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying resveratrol's action.
- Evaluation of drug delivery strategies to improve resveratrol bioavailability.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies demonstrate promising chemosensitizing effects of resveratrol across different cancer types.
- Resveratrol modulates key molecular targets involved in cancer progression and drug resistance.
- Low bioavailability of resveratrol presents a significant barrier to clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol exhibits potential as a chemosensitizer, particularly for therapy-refractory cancers.
- Advancements in drug delivery systems are essential to overcome bioavailability limitations.
- Further research is needed to facilitate the clinical translation of resveratrol-based therapies.
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