The Role of Curcumin in Prevention and Management of Metastatic Disease

Abstract

In the last two decades, targeted therapies have enhanced tumor patient care and treatment success, however, metastatic growth still cannot be stopped efficiently and, therefore, mortality rates remain high. Prevention strategies against formation of metastases are the most promising approach we have, however, due to lack of clinical validation studies, they have not yet entered routine clinical care. In order to smooth the way for efficient prevention, further preclinical and large clinical studies are required. In this context, the underlying molecular mechanisms and factors that lead to metastatic growth have to be explored, and potential preventive agents have to be tested. Thereby, special attention has to be paid to natural bioactive compounds which do not exert major adverse effects, like the plant-derived polyphenol Curcumin, which is known to be a powerful antitumor agent. So far, most of the preclinical studies with Curcumin have focused on its effect on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, although, it is known that it also inhibits metastatic spread in vivo. This review discusses the preventive potential of this natural compound not only against tumor onset, but also against formation of metastases.

<p>Curcumin Modifies Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Through Regulation of miR-200c/EPM5</p>

“…44 Accordingly, it suggested that the modulation of miRNAs may be an important mechanism underlying the biological effect of curcumin. 45 In the present study, we demonstrated that the curcumin inhibited the mesenchymal 46 Previous studies have demonstrated a critical role of miR-200 family in the regulation of EMT through post-transcriptional repression of ZEB1, ZEB2, SNAIL, and SLUG. 14,15 Additionally, theses EMT transcription factors bind directly to the common promoter regions of the miR-200 family to repress its expression.…”

Advances in therapeutic options for portal hypertension

“…Finally, curcumin is a dietary product most common in Asian countries but extended worldwide that possesses anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and antiproliferative properties. 181 Indeed, its administration to BDL-cirrhotic rats decreased hepatic fibrosis and ameliorated liver endothelial phenotype while inducing splanchnic vasoconstriction, which led to a reduction in PP. 182…”

Systematic review of natural and miscellaneous agents, for the management of oral mucositis in cancer patients and clinical practice guidelines — part 2: honey, herbal compounds, saliva stimulants, probiotics, and miscellaneous agents

“…Curcumin has antioxidant, free-radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in traditional natural herbal medicine for management of wound healing and burns [46]. Furthermore, curcumin was reported to have anti-tumor properties [47]. Curcumin is obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, a member of the Zingiberaceae family.…”