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Targeting cancer stem cells by nutraceuticals for cancer therapy

Man Chu1, Cheng Zheng2, Cheng Chen1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|July 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds called nutraceuticals can target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which drive tumor growth and resistance. This review highlights agents that may offer a promising strategy for cancer treatment by overcoming drug resistance and reducing recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutraceuticals

Background:

  • Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial in tumor progression, recurrence, and drug resistance.
  • Signaling pathways are key to CSC development and maintenance.
  • Nutraceuticals show potential in eliminating CSCs by modulating these pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review natural chemopreventive agents targeting CSCs in human malignancies.
  • To discuss the role of nutraceuticals in cancer treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on natural compounds and CSCs.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involved in CSC regulation by nutraceuticals.

Main Results:

  • Identified several natural agents (e.g., soy isoflavone, curcumin, resveratrol) that target CSCs.
  • Demonstrated that these agents can regulate CSC-associated signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Nutraceuticals offer a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
  • Targeting CSCs with nutraceuticals may overcome drug resistance and reduce tumor recurrence.
Keywords:
CancerCancer therapyNatural agentsSignaling pathwaysStem cell

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