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Dietary Phytochemicals as a Potential Source for Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Prasath Manogaran1, Devan Umapathy2, Manochitra Karthikeyan2
1Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
Cancer Investigation
|March 10, 2021
Summary
Natural products show promise in targeting drug-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). This review explores their mechanisms to overcome resistance in conventional cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Research
Background:
- Tumor microenvironment heterogeneity drives cancer progression.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for tumor initiation and are resistant to conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Developing novel therapeutic strategies to overcome CSC resistance is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural products with anticancer potential against cancer cells and cancer stem cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of these natural products in various cancer stem cells.
- To highlight natural products as a novel approach to combat multi-drug resistant cancer stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on natural products and cancer stem cells.
- Analysis of anticancer mechanisms of selected natural products.
- Focus on natural products targeting cancer stem cell properties and drug resistance.
Main Results:
- Several natural products exhibit significant anticancer activity by targeting cancer stem cells.
- Specific molecular pathways targeted by these natural products have been identified.
- Natural products demonstrate potential in overcoming multi-drug resistance associated with cancer stem cells.
Conclusions:
- Natural products offer a promising strategy to target and eradicate multi-drug resistant cancer stem cells.
- Targeting cancer stem cells with natural products may reduce adverse effects associated with conventional therapies.
- Further research into natural product-based therapies could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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