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Harnessing Phytochemicals for Brain Cancer Therapy: Insights Into Medulloblastoma and Glioblastoma Treatment
Ilkay Irem Ozbek1, Mesra Aktas1, Hale Saybasili2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Bebek, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Abstract:
Primary brain tumors are life-threatening diseases. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type with a poor prognosis. Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric brain tumor. While surgical treatments often result in recurrences owing to the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment, conventional treatments lower the quality of life of patients by causing serious side effects. Therefore, cutting-edge therapies are required to alleviate patients' burden. Phytochemicals such as curcumin, quercetin, berberine, and resveratrol have been shown as potential therapeutic agents by demonstrating anticancer activity, including the inhibition of cell migration and proliferation, and the induction of apoptosis. This review summarizes the pharmacokinetic and cellular effects of phytochemicals that can be utilized in the treatment of medulloblastoma and glioblastoma by targeting cellular pathways associated with the progression of these diseases. Additionally, the synergistic relationships of these phytochemicals with traditional drugs and the emerging studies that utilize nanotechnology to ensure effective delivery of phytochemicals are covered in this review.
Insights
Phytochemicals like curcumin show promise in treating aggressive brain tumors, including glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. This review explores their potential to target cancer pathways and enhance traditional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Primary brain tumors, such as glioblastoma and medulloblastoma, present significant therapeutic challenges due to aggressive nature and treatment side effects.
- Current treatments often lead to recurrence and reduced quality of life, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of phytochemicals (curcumin, quercetin, berberine, resveratrol) as therapeutic agents for primary brain tumors.
- To summarize the pharmacokinetic and cellular effects of these phytochemicals in targeting cancer progression pathways.
- To explore synergistic effects with conventional drugs and nanotechnology-based delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on phytochemicals (curcumin, quercetin, berberine, resveratrol) and their effects on glioblastoma and medulloblastoma.
- Analysis of research on phytochemicals' anticancer activities, including apoptosis induction and cell migration/proliferation inhibition.
- Examination of studies on synergistic effects and nanotechnology-based delivery of phytochemicals.
Main Results:
- Phytochemicals demonstrate anticancer properties by inhibiting cell migration and proliferation, and inducing apoptosis.
- These compounds target key cellular pathways involved in brain tumor progression.
- Synergistic effects with conventional therapies and enhanced delivery via nanotechnology show promise.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for novel brain tumor therapies, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into their mechanisms, synergistic potential, and delivery systems is warranted for clinical application.
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