Novel molecules as the emerging trends in cancer treatment: an update

Area of Science:

• Oncology and Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Cancer is a leading global cause of death, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Natural products offer diverse chemical structures with promising anticancer activities.
• Targeting cancer cells selectively preserves healthy cells, a key advantage of natural compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compile natural bioactive compounds with established anticancer potential.
• To present the mechanisms of action and clinical evidence for these compounds.
• To highlight the role of natural products in modern cancer chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of eight plant-derived compounds: combretastatin, ginsenoside, lycopene, quercetin, resveratrol, silymarin, sulforaphane, and withaferin A.
• Review of four marine-derived compounds: bryostatins, dolastatins, eribulin, and plitidepsin.
• Inclusion of three microorganism-derived compounds: Clostridium, Mycobacterium bovis, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Main Results:

• Detailed presentation of the anticancer potential of each listed compound.
• Explanation of the specific mechanisms of action for these natural therapeutics.
• Summary of clinical data and established applications in cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Natural bioactive compounds are vital in the ongoing search for effective cancer treatments.
• The diverse origins (plant, marine, microbial) of these compounds offer a rich source for drug discovery.
• Continued research into natural products holds significant promise for advancing cancer chemotherapy.