Natural products targeting autophagy and apoptosis in NSCLC: a novel therapeutic strategy

Peiyi Qin1,2, Qingchen Li3, Qi Zu2

  • 1First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.

Frontiers in Oncology
|April 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Natural products show promise for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting autophagy and apoptosis. This review explores their mechanisms, interactions, and therapeutic potential in NSCLC drug discovery.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common subtype.
  • Autophagy and apoptosis play complex, interconnected roles in NSCLC development and progression.
  • Natural products offer multitargeting, safe, and effective therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis and their crosstalk in NSCLC.
  • To explore natural products as potential therapeutic agents targeting these pathways in NSCLC.
  • To summarize representative natural products and their efficacy against NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of autophagy, apoptosis, and their interplay in NSCLC.
  • Analysis of natural products investigated for anti-NSCLC activity via autophagy and apoptosis modulation.
  • Detailed summary of four prominent natural product drugs.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy and apoptosis exhibit intricate and dual roles in NSCLC.
  • Crosstalk molecules significantly influence the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in NSCLC.
  • Natural products demonstrate significant therapeutic effects against NSCLC by targeting these pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products are promising candidates for NSCLC therapy due to their ability to modulate autophagy and apoptosis.
  • Further research into natural products could lead to novel anti-NSCLC drug discovery.
  • Targeting autophagy and apoptosis with natural products offers a viable strategy for NSCLC treatment.

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