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Targeting Drug Chemo-Resistance in Cancer Using Natural Products

Wamidh H Talib1, Ahmad Riyad Alsayed1, Muna Barakat1

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931-166, Jordan.

Biomedicines
|October 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Natural products offer a promising strategy to combat cancer drug resistance, a major cause of mortality. This review highlights their potential in combination therapies by targeting diverse resistance mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer drug resistance significantly contributes to patient mortality.
  • Chemotherapy failure arises from cancer cells employing mechanisms to evade drug effects.
  • Natural products present accessible, cost-effective, and less toxic alternatives for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the research and clinical applications of natural products in overcoming cancer drug resistance.
  • To elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of natural products against drug resistance.
  • To explore the potential of natural products in combination anticancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of basic research and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of molecular targets and mechanisms of action for various natural products.
  • Evaluation of natural product sensitivity across different drug resistance biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Natural products demonstrate efficacy in inhibiting multiple cancer drug resistance mechanisms.
  • P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein are frequently targeted by natural products.
  • Protein kinase C and topoisomerases showed less sensitivity to most natural products studied.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products hold significant potential for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
  • Targeting diverse resistance mechanisms with natural products can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
  • Further research into natural products is crucial for developing novel combination anticancer strategies.
Keywords:
anticancer natural productsdrug detoxificationdrug effluxplants derived natural products

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