Biochemical mechanisms and molecular interactions of vitamins in cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Vitamins are increasingly recognized for their potential role in cancer therapy, with tumor cells expressing vitamin receptors.
• Existing research on vitamin efficacy in cancer presents inconsistent findings regarding biochemical and molecular interactions.
• The impact of vitamin supplementation on tumor progression and mortality risk requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the effects of various vitamins on cancer risk and development.
• To examine the potential of vitamin supplements in enhancing cancer drug therapy efficacy.
• To investigate the role of vitamins in overcoming cancer treatment resistance mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on vitamins and cancer.
• Analysis of biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin interactions with cancer cells.
• Evaluation of studies investigating vitamin supplementation in cancer treatment and prevention.

Main Results:

• Vitamins influence cancer cell proliferation, growth, invasiveness, cell cycle arrest, and inflammatory signaling.
• Different vitamins modulate the cancer microenvironment via diverse molecular pathways, impacting immunity and DNA repair.
• Evidence suggests vitamins can affect cell behavior, combat stress, and potentially improve treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Vitamins play a significant role in cancer's molecular and biochemical landscape, affecting tumor progression and treatment response.
• Further research is essential to validate vitamin efficacy, determine optimal dosages, and integrate them into personalized cancer care.
• Vitamin supplementation holds promise for enhancing conventional cancer therapies and mitigating drug resistance.