<i>Dunaliella salina</i> and <i>Haloferax volcanii</i> Synergistically Attenuate Skin Cancer <i>in Vitro</i>

Abstract

Skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma, is the most common type of malignancy, which causes substantial morbidities and mortalities. Although the significant increase in the understanding of skin cancer formation and the development of novel personalized drug regimens have occurred, new treatment options are always of need. The use of natural compounds to alleviate the symptoms or even to prevent and treat cancer has long been proposed. Specifically, the use of marine-based organisms as a source for cancer cure and remedy is being evaluated extensively. The objective of the current study was to assess the ability of the green microalgae Dunaliella salina, the Dead-Sea-derived Haloferax volcanii, and its combinations to treat skin cancer in vitro. The results demonstrate the Dunaliella and Haloferax can reduce sarcoma and basal cell carcinoma cellular growth. Importantly, their combination acts synergistically in a caspase-3 independent manner. Moreover, a synergistic action was found when evaluated sarcoma cell invasion rate, which was completely blocked at pharmacological relevant amounts of the compounds. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the combination of Haloferax volcanii and Dunaliella salina can be used as a new treatment for skin cancer. The specific mechanism of action and further in vivo validation studies are of need.