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Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Nobiletin in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Adam Haysom-McDowell1,2, Jack Bartholomew1, Stewart Yeung1,2
1Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia, uts.edu.au.
Abstract:
Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in medical treatment, current therapeutic strategies are often hindered by late-stage diagnosis, high recurrence rates and resistance to therapies. These challenges highlight the urgent need for novel, less toxic and more effective treatment options. Phytoceuticals, bioactive plant-derived compounds, have gained increasing attention for their potential to complement or enhance conventional cancer therapies. Among these, nobiletin, a polymethoxylated flavonoid found in citrus peels, has promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. This review explores the therapeutic potential of nobiletin in NSCLC, focusing on its ability to modulate key cancer hallmarks such as uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and multidrug resistance. Preclinical studies suggest that nobiletin inhibits tumour growth, enhances chemosensitivity and suppresses metastasis through multiple pathways. However, its clinical application is currently limited by poor bioavailability, prompting the need for innovative delivery strategies. Therefore, this review also discusses emerging approaches to improve nobiletin's biological activity, supporting further investigations into its role in NSCLC therapy.
Insights
Nobiletin, a citrus flavonoid, shows promise in fighting nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing chemotherapy. Further research into delivery methods is needed for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents significant global health challenges due to late diagnosis, recurrence, and treatment resistance.
- There is a critical need for novel, effective, and less toxic therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.
- Phytoceuticals, like nobiletin, are emerging as potential complementary agents in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of nobiletin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To examine nobiletin's mechanisms of action against key cancer hallmarks including proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and multidrug resistance.
- To discuss strategies for overcoming nobiletin's bioavailability limitations for improved clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies on nobiletin in NSCLC.
- Analysis of nobiletin's effects on cancer hallmarks and signaling pathways.
- Exploration of novel drug delivery systems for nobiletin.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data indicate nobiletin inhibits NSCLC tumor growth and metastasis.
- Nobiletin demonstrates potential to enhance chemosensitivity and overcome multidrug resistance.
- Nobiletin modulates critical cancer hallmarks through various molecular pathways.
Conclusions:
- Nobiletin exhibits significant anticancer properties relevant to NSCLC treatment.
- Poor bioavailability is a key limitation for nobiletin's clinical translation.
- Developing advanced delivery strategies is essential to harness nobiletin's therapeutic potential in NSCLC.
