Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Agents in Melanoma

Abstract

Cutaneous melanoma is an immunogenic highly heterogenic tumor characterized by poor outcomes when it is diagnosed late. Therefore, immunotherapy in combination with other anti-proliferative approaches is among the most effective weapons to control its growth and metastatic dissemination. Recently, a large amount of published reports indicate the interest of researchers and clinicians about plant secondary metabolites as potentially useful therapeutic tools due to their lower presence of side effects coupled with their high potency and efficacy. Published evidence was reported in most cases through in vitro studies but also, with a growing body of evidence, through in vivo investigations. Our aim was, therefore, to review the published studies focused on the most interesting phytochemicals whose immunomodulatory activities and/or mechanisms of actions were demonstrated and applied to melanoma models.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume Essential Oil Inhibits Metastatic Melanoma Cell Proliferation by Triggering an Incomplete Tumour Cell Stress Response

“…There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress leads to detrimental biochemical reactions and is an important pathogenic factor in several chronic human diseases, including atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, immunologic disorders, cancer, and even the ageing process [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Immunomodulation of Skin Cancer

“…Very few studies have been performed using mouse models. In their review, Tabolucci et al discuss the immunomodulatory functions of various phytochemicals and herbal extracts in melanoma [ 12 ].…”