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Phytochemicals as Chemo-Preventive and Therapeutic Agents Against Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Orestis Porfyris1, Paraskevi Detopoulou2, Theodora Adamantidi3
1Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Peloponnese, Akadimaikou GK, 3 Building OAED, 22100 Tripoli, Greece.
Abstract:
Bladder cancer has a high incidence worldwide and is characterized by a high recurrence rate, metastatic potential, and a significant socioeconomic burden. Conventional treatment modalities usually exhibit serious adverse complications, which also negatively affect patients' quality of life. In the context of exploring new treatment approaches with fewer side effects, the utilization of natural compounds as alternative and/or complementary therapeutic options seems appealing. In the present study, the potential use and effects of various bioactive phytochemicals, including curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin, genistein, and several others, in bladder cancer treatment are thoroughly reviewed. A special focus is given to their potential to beneficially modulate important molecular signaling pathways and mechanisms affecting cell survival, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/MAPK, Wnt/β-Catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, Hippo, JAK2/STAT3, and PAF/PAF-receptor pathways. Nevertheless, most studies have been conducted in cell cultures and animal models. Due to differences in genetics and metabolism, more clinical trials are needed to ensure the bio-efficacy of these phytochemicals in humans.
Insights
Natural compounds like curcumin show promise for treating bladder cancer by targeting key cell pathways. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety in humans.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Bladder cancer presents a significant global health challenge with high recurrence and metastatic rates.
- Current treatments often cause severe side effects, impacting patient quality of life.
- There is a need for novel therapeutic strategies with improved safety profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of various bioactive phytochemicals as alternative or complementary treatments for bladder cancer.
- To explore how these natural compounds modulate critical molecular signaling pathways involved in bladder cancer pathogenesis.
- To assess the current evidence and identify research gaps for phytochemicals in bladder cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on phytochemicals and bladder cancer.
- Analysis of research investigating the effects of compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin.
- Examination of studies focusing on the modulation of signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, Wnt/β-Catenin).
Main Results:
- Phytochemicals demonstrate potential in modulating cell survival, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in bladder cancer models.
- Specific compounds target key signaling pathways crucial to bladder cancer development.
- Most existing research is based on in vitro and animal studies.
Conclusions:
- Bioactive phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for bladder cancer treatment due to their potential to target multiple pathways with fewer side effects.
- Further clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these compounds in human patients.
- Natural compounds could offer valuable complementary or alternative therapeutic options for bladder cancer management.
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