Exploring combinations of dihydroartemisinin for cancer therapy: A comprehensive review
Komal Rani1, Rohan Chand Sahu1, Aiswarya Chaudhuri1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, UP, India.
Abstract:
Cancer remains a significant threat to human health due to its multifaceted causes and complex pathogenesis. While advancements in research have improved outcomes for many cancer patients, treatments for specific tumor types still face limitations. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an active metabolite of artemisinin and its derivatives, has proven to be an effective anti-malarial agent. Recently, its anticancer potential has garnered increasing interest as it acts through multiple molecular pathways, including anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, anti-metastasis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and modulation of immune function. This review aims to thoroughly explain and summarize the mechanisms of DHA against cancer and the latest progress in this field. Due to the insufficiency of monotherapy in effectively treating cancer, the use of chemotherapy in combination with alternative therapies has witnessed a notable increase in popularity. DHA has shown synergistic anti-tumor efficacy with a range of therapeutic drugs, but its co-delivery with chemotherapeutics has been limited by low solubility and bioavailability. Nanotechnology-assisted co-delivery of anti-tumor agents, utilizing advanced stimulus-triggered drug release systems in tumor cells, offers the potential to enhance selective delivery and increase antitumor efficacy. Additionally, this article provides suggestions for further research on the anticancer effects of DHA.
Insights
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) shows promise as an anticancer agent by targeting multiple pathways. Nanotechnology can improve DHA
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health challenge with limited treatment options for certain types.
- Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), derived from artemisinin, is recognized for its antimalarial properties and emerging anticancer potential.
- DHA exhibits anticancer effects via multiple molecular pathways, including antiproliferative, apoptotic, autophagic, and immunomodulatory actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the anticancer mechanisms of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA).
- To discuss the latest advancements in DHA's application against cancer.
- To explore the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing DHA's therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in cancer.
- Analysis of molecular pathways targeted by DHA, including apoptosis, autophagy, and angiogenesis.
- Examination of combination therapies and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for DHA.
Main Results:
- DHA demonstrates multifaceted anticancer activities, including inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis and ER stress, and modulating immune responses.
- DHA exhibits synergistic effects when combined with various chemotherapeutic agents.
- Nanotechnology-based co-delivery systems show potential to overcome DHA's limitations like low solubility and bioavailability, enhancing targeted delivery and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a promising anticancer agent with diverse mechanisms of action.
- Combination therapy and nanotechnology-enhanced drug delivery are key strategies to improve DHA's clinical application in cancer treatment.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate DHA's anticancer potential and optimize its delivery systems.
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