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Fungi-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review

Francisco Quiñonero1,2, Alba Ortigosa-Palomo1,2, Raul Ortiz1,3

  • 1Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain.

Microorganisms
|August 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Fungal secondary metabolites show promise as a novel pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment, potentially overcoming drug resistance. This systematic review highlights their effectiveness in preclinical studies for developing new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a low survival rate due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options.
  • There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes in PC.
  • Fungal secondary metabolites are emerging as potential anticancer agents, inducing apoptosis in various cancer types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the last decade of research on fungal secondary metabolites as antitumor treatments for pancreatic cancer.
  • To assess the efficacy and potential application of these compounds in combating PC.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases.
  • A total of 199 articles were identified, with 27 ultimately included after rigorous screening.
  • Data on fungal-derived bioactive compounds and their effects on pancreatic cancer were extracted and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Bioactive compounds derived from fungi have demonstrated significant antitumor activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer.
  • These compounds show potential for overcoming drug resistance, a major challenge in PC treatment.
  • The reviewed studies indicate a promising therapeutic avenue for pancreatic cancer management.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal secondary metabolites represent a viable source of novel therapeutic agents against pancreatic cancer.
  • Further research and development could lead to new treatments that circumvent existing drug resistance mechanisms in PC.
  • These findings support the exploration of fungal-derived compounds for improved pancreatic cancer therapy.
Keywords:
anticancer effectfungimetabolitespancreatic cancer

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