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An Insight into Emerging Phytocompounds for Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy
Vijeta Prakash1, Reema Gabrani1
1Centre for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector- 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201309, India.
Abstract:
Despite intense research in the field of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapeutics, the resistance against approved therapy remains an issue of concern. The resistance against the therapy is widely reported due to factors like clonal selection, involvement of multiple developmental pathways, and majorly defective mismatch repair (MMR) protein and functional O6- methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) repair enzyme. Phytotherapy is one of the most effective alternatives to overcome resistance. It involves plant-based compounds, divided into several classes: alkaloids; phenols; terpenes; organosulfur compounds. The phytocompounds comprised in these classes are extracted or processed from certain plant sources. They can target various proteins of molecular pathways associated with the progression and survival of GBM. Phytocompounds have also shown promise as immunomodulatory agents and are being explored for immune checkpoint inhibition. Therefore, research and innovations are required to understand the mechanism of action of such phytocompounds against GBM to develop efficacious treatments for the same. This review gives insight into the potential of phytochemical-based therapeutic options for GBM treatment.
Insights
Phytotherapy offers a promising alternative to overcome glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment resistance. Plant-derived compounds can target GBM pathways and modulate the immune system, suggesting potential for novel GBM therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) exhibits significant therapeutic resistance, attributed to factors like clonal selection, pathway involvement, and defective DNA repair mechanisms (mismatch repair proteins and O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase).
- Conventional therapies often face limitations due to inherent or acquired resistance, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of phytochemical-based therapeutic options for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment.
- To highlight the role of phytocompounds in overcoming therapy resistance and their immunomodulatory effects.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on phytocompounds and their mechanisms of action against GBM.
- Literature search focused on plant-derived compounds, their classification (alkaloids, phenols, terpenes, organosulfur compounds), and their impact on GBM pathways and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Phytocompounds demonstrate the ability to target diverse molecular pathways crucial for GBM progression and survival.
- Certain phytocompounds exhibit immunomodulatory properties and are being investigated for their potential in immune checkpoint inhibition.
- Plant-based compounds offer a viable strategy to circumvent resistance mechanisms observed in GBM therapy.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for developing novel and effective GBM treatments.
- Further research into the precise mechanisms of action of phytocompounds is essential for their clinical translation.
- Phytotherapy holds potential as an alternative or complementary approach to enhance GBM treatment efficacy.
