Exploring Synergistic Interactions between Natural Compounds and Conventional Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Preclinical
Mihaela Boța1, Lavinia Vlaia1,2, Alex-Robert Jîjie3,4
1Department II-Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Abstract:
In the current work, the synergy between natural compounds and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs is comprehensively reviewed in light of current preclinical research findings. The prognosis for lung cancer patients is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 18.1%. The use of natural compounds in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs has gained significant attention as a potential novel approach in the treatment of lung cancer. The present work highlights the importance of finding more effective therapies to increase survival rates. Chemotherapy is a primary treatment option for lung cancer but it has limitations such as reduced effectiveness because cancer cells become resistant. Natural compounds isolated from medicinal plants have shown promising anticancer or chemopreventive properties and their synergistic effect has been observed when combined with conventional therapies. The combined use of an anti-cancer drug and a natural compound exhibits synergistic effects, enhancing overall therapeutic actions against cancer cells. In conclusion, this work provides an overview of the latest preclinical research on medicinal plants and plant-derived compounds as alternative or complementary treatment options for lung cancer chemotherapy and discusses the potential of natural compounds in treating lung cancer with minimal side effects.
Insights
Natural compounds combined with chemotherapy show synergistic effects against lung cancer in preclinical studies. This approach may improve treatment efficacy and patient survival rates with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Lung cancer has a poor prognosis, with a low 5-year survival rate.
- Conventional chemotherapy faces limitations due to drug resistance in cancer cells.
- There is a critical need for more effective lung cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical research on the synergistic effects of natural compounds and chemotherapy for lung cancer.
- To highlight the potential of medicinal plants and their derivatives in cancer treatment.
- To discuss the role of natural compounds as complementary or alternative therapies for lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of current preclinical research findings.
- Analysis of studies investigating the combination of natural compounds with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
- Evaluation of anticancer and chemopreventive properties of plant-derived compounds.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds exhibit synergistic effects when combined with chemotherapy drugs.
- Combined therapies enhance overall therapeutic actions against lung cancer cells.
- Medicinal plants and their derivatives show promising anticancer potential.
Conclusions:
- The combination of natural compounds and chemotherapy presents a promising strategy for lung cancer treatment.
- Natural compounds may offer effective alternative or complementary options with potentially fewer side effects.
- Further research into plant-derived compounds could lead to improved lung cancer therapies and survival rates.
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