Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
10:39
Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
Published on: June 18, 2015
13.3K
The Potential of Nutraceutical Supplementation in Counteracting Cancer Development and Progression: A
Carmen Altomare1, Roberta Macrì1, Maria Serra1
1Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Nutrients
|July 30, 2025
Summary
The Mediterranean Diet and its compounds show promise in cancer prevention and treatment by targeting key cellular processes. Further research is needed to confirm these dietary strategies
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with increasing incidence.
- Conventional cancer therapies have limitations and adverse effects.
- Dietary interventions, particularly the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), are gaining attention for cancer prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of the MedDiet and its nutraceuticals in cancer prevention.
- To assess their potential as adjuvant cancer therapies.
- To explore the role of specific bioactive compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on the MedDiet, nutraceuticals, and cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, cell cycle, and drug resistance.
- Examination of dose-dependent effects and interactions with chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Key nutraceuticals (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids) modulate cancer hallmarks.
- Many compounds exhibit dual dose-dependent activity: antioxidant in healthy cells, pro-oxidant/apoptotic in cancer cells.
- Potential to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce side effects.
Conclusions:
- The MedDiet and specific nutraceuticals show potential for cancer prevention and management.
- These dietary components may serve as adjuvant therapies.
- More clinical research is required to validate their therapeutic benefits.
Keywords:
Mediterranean Dietantioxidant compoundscancer preventiondietary polyphenolshealth-promoting phytochemicalsinflammationnutraceuticalsoxidative stressMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:59Cancer Prevention
6.3K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
6.3K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
7.8K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.8K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
662
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
662
01:30Cancer Vaccines
514
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
514
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
5.1K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.1K
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
8.0K
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
8.0K