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Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
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Therapeutic Potential of Phytochemicals as Adjuvants in Head and Neck Cancer

Mahesh Kaushik, Ashu Bhan Tiku1

  • 1Radiation and Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.

Nutrition Reviews
|March 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Novel therapeutic strategies, including phytochemicals and nano-formulations, show promise for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. This review explores their potential to reduce toxicity and overcome clinical challenges in HNC therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Head and neck cancer (HNC) remains challenging despite advances in cancer therapeutics.
  • Current treatments for HNC often lead to significant toxicity, impacting patient quality of life.
  • Monotherapies are insufficient for eradicating HNC, necessitating research into combinatorial approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel therapeutic strategies for HNC, focusing on phytochemicals as adjuvants to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
  • To explore the potential of nano-formulations for enhanced therapeutic delivery in HNC.
  • To identify and discuss challenges in the clinical application of these novel HNC therapies and propose solutions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on phytochemicals and nano-formulations for HNC.
  • Analysis of research on combinatorial approaches involving natural compounds and conventional HNC treatments.
  • Evaluation of challenges and strategies for the clinical translation of these therapies.

Main Results:

  • Phytochemicals demonstrate potential as adjuvants, offering reduced toxicity compared to conventional HNC treatments.
  • Nano-formulations can improve the delivery and efficacy of HNC therapeutics.
  • Several challenges exist in clinical application, including bioavailability, standardization, and regulatory hurdles.

Conclusions:

  • Phytochemicals and nano-formulations represent promising avenues for improving HNC treatment outcomes.
  • Combinatorial strategies hold potential for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects in HNC therapy.
  • Overcoming clinical application challenges is crucial for realizing the full potential of these novel HNC therapies.
Keywords:
3D spheroidsadjuvantapoptosishead and neck cancerphytochemicals

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