Curcuminoids as Anticancer Drugs: Pleiotropic Effects, Potential for Metabolic Reprogramming and Prospects for the Future

Abstract

The number of published studies on curcuminoids in cancer research, including its lead molecule curcumin and synthetic analogs, has been increasing substantially during the past two decades. Insights on the diversity of inhibitory effects they have produced on a multitude of pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression have been provided. As this wealth of data was obtained in settings of various experimental and clinical data, this review first aimed at presenting a chronology of discoveries and an update on their complex in vivo effects. Secondly, there are many interesting questions linked to their pleiotropic effects. One of them, a growing research topic, relates to their ability to modulate metabolic reprogramming. This review will also cover the use of curcuminoids as chemosensitizing molecules that can be combined with several anticancer drugs to reverse the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. Finally, current investigations in these three complementary research fields raise several important questions that will be put among the prospects for the future research related to the importance of these molecules in cancer research.

A New Synthetic Curcuminoid Displays Antitumor Activities in Metastasized Melanoma

“…We have tested the in vivo antitumor activity of the curcumin derivative MePip-SF5 and isogarcinol in a relevant preclinical model of pulmonary metastatic melanoma. Both drugs showed promising cytotoxic in vitro effects on different cancer cell lines, including melanoma, that warrant further biological evaluation in vivo [28][29][30][31].…”

The role of curcumin in periodontal therapy: An update

“…Preclinical investigations highlighted its ability to hinder the growth of various cancer cell lines, suggesting a potential role as adjunct therapy for various malignancies. Promising findings have been reported in breast, colon, and prostate cancer stem cells in culture [19][20]. Clinical trials continue to be conducted to establish its safety and efficacy as a complementary approach to conventional cancer treatment of some malignancies and determine its in vivo molecular targets.…”