Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Oncology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) presents a growing health concern, with current treatments causing significant adverse effects.
• Existing therapies for NMSC negatively impact patients' quality of life, highlighting the need for improved treatment options.
• Natural compounds are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits in inflammatory and neoplastic skin conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of natural compounds in cancer chemotherapies and chemoprevention for skin conditions.
• To explore the potential of natural compounds in promoting skin regeneration.
• To identify natural compounds with favorable safety profiles and reduced side effects compared to conventional treatments.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of scientific databases.
• Analysis of studies focusing on natural compounds derived from marine, zoonotic, and botanical sources.
• Examination of mechanisms of action, including apoptosis potentiation, proliferation inhibition, and metastasis suppression.

Main Results:

• Natural compounds exhibit diverse anti-carcinogenic actions through multiple biological pathways.
• Identified natural compounds include polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, cannabinoids, carotenoids, and ceramides.
• These compounds demonstrate potential for use in cancer chemotherapies, chemoprevention, and skin regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Natural compounds represent a promising avenue for developing safer and more effective treatments for NMSC.
• Further research into the therapeutic potential of these natural agents is warranted for dermatological applications.
• The safety profile and efficacy of natural compounds suggest their utility in enhancing skin health and regeneration.