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Dihydroartemisinin as a Sensitizing Agent in Cancer Therapies
Qingrong Li1,2,3, Qiang Ma1,2,3, Jibing Cheng1,2,3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the major threats to human health. Although humans have struggled with cancer for decades, the efficacy of treatments for most tumors is still very limited. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a derivative of artemisinin, a first-line antimalarial drug originally developed in China. Beyond the anti-malarial effect, DHA has also been reported to show anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitosis, and immune-modulating properties in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies report that DHA possesses anticancer activities on a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo, as well as enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and even radiotherapy. However, the mechanisms of DHA on different tumors differ in various ways. In this review, we intend to summarize how DHA sensitizes cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies, highlight its molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo as well as in current clinical trials, and discuss potential issues concerning DHA. Hopefully, more attention will be paid to DHA as a sensitizer for cancer therapy in the future.
Insights
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an antimalarial derivative, shows promising anticancer effects by sensitizing cancer cells to various therapies. Further research into its mechanisms and clinical applications is warranted for improved cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge with limited treatment efficacy for many tumors.
- Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), derived from the antimalarial artemisinin, exhibits diverse biological activities beyond its antimalarial properties.
- Emerging evidence suggests DHA possesses anticancer potential across various cancer types, both in vitro and in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of DHA in sensitizing cancer cells to established anti-cancer therapies.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects of DHA in preclinical and clinical settings.
- To discuss current challenges and future directions for DHA in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating DHA's anticancer activities.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo experimental data on DHA's efficacy.
- Examination of findings from ongoing clinical trials involving DHA.
Main Results:
- DHA demonstrates anticancer activity against a broad spectrum of cancers.
- DHA enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying DHA's effects vary across different tumor types.
Conclusions:
- DHA shows significant potential as a sensitizing agent to improve existing cancer treatments.
- Understanding DHA's diverse mechanisms is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic application.
- Further investigation is needed to fully realize DHA's role in clinical oncology.
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