Role of Curcumin and (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate in Bladder Cancer Treatment: A Review

Abstract

<jats:p>The incidence of bladder cancer (BC) is increasing, and although current therapeutic approaches are effective in many cases, recurrence of BC is common. Therefore, it seems necessary to search not only for novel therapeutic approaches, but also for new therapeutic agents. Natural polyphenols, such as curcumin (CUR) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), possess remarkable antitumor activity. Their biochemical mechanisms of action include regulation of signaling pathways, modeling of proteins involved in apoptosis and cell cycle inhibition, angiogenesis, and the proliferation, migration and adhesion of tumor cells. Both compounds also present antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. CUR has been considered a promising candidate for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease or malaria, whereas EGCG can play a supportive role in the treatment of obesity, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The review summarizes the latest research on the role of CUR and EGCG in the treatment of BC. In particular, the effects of CUR and EGCG, and their prospects for use in BC therapy, their inhibition of cancer development and their prevention of multidrug resistance, are described. The literature’s data indicate the possibility of achieving the effect of synergism of both polyphenols in BC therapy, which has been observed so far in the treatment of ovarian, breast and prostate cancer.</jats:p>

Multiple Myeloma Inhibitory Activity of Plant Natural Products

“…However, the outcome of the study and the statistical significance of the obtained results were low, also because of the small number of only eight enrolled patients. With regard to general anticancer activity, epigallocatechin gallate is by far the most investigated of these three compounds and has been attributed both preventive as well as therapeutic potential in the treatment of various types of cancer [ 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 , 152 ].…”

Carboranes as unique pharmacophores in antitumor medicinal chemistry

“…Curcumin, which is naturally present in turmeric plants, has been utilized to treat a variety of cancers and prevent Alzheimer's disease. 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 Deagostino and co-workers found a new type of boronated analog of curcumin ( 21 ) that could be used in combination with BNCT. 132 In this carborane-derived compound, β-diketone functionality was replaced by a carbonyl group while two phenolic rings were replaced by an o -carboranyl cage ( Figure 3 N).…”

Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in NSCLC: From Prognosis to Therapy Design

“…Their incorporation in the treatment of lung cancer (chem otherapy and radiotherapy) has led to significant improvement of patient quality of life [119]. Curcumin is one of the most studied agents used for the treatment of various can cers, and antimetastatic effects have also been observed for other natural and synthetic derivatives [120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128], implying high potential for incorporation into therapeutic regimens for NSCLC treatment.…”