Immunomodulatory Phytochemicals in Cancer: Mechanistic Pathways and Translational Potential

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer development involves immune evasion and inflammation within the tumor microenvironment.
• Phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, are increasingly recognized for their immunomodulatory roles in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical, translational, and clinical evidence on the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals in cancer prevention and treatment.
• To focus on mechanistic convergence, evidence strength, and translational potential of phytochemicals in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of recent scientific literature.
• Analysis of phytochemical interactions with immune signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis.
• Identification of targeted immune pathways and challenges in clinical integration.

Main Results:

• Phytochemicals exert anticancer effects by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, not solely through cytotoxicity.
• Key mechanisms include suppressing inflammation, controlling immune checkpoints, polarizing macrophages, enhancing immune cell functions, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis.
• Several phytochemicals show translational relevance, with some progressing to clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Phytochemicals possess significant immunomodulatory potential for cancer prevention and treatment.
• Understanding their mechanisms and translational potential is crucial for integrating them into modern cancer therapies.
• Challenges remain in optimizing their use within contemporary anticancer strategies.