Role of chemopreventive agents in cancer therapy.
Tumorigenesis or carcinogenesis is a multi-step process that is induced primarily by carcinogens leading to the development of cancer. Extensive research in the last few years has revealed that regular consumption of certain fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of acquiring specific cancers. Phytochemicals derived from such fruits and vegetables, referred to as chemopreventive agents include genistein, resveratrol, diallyl sulfide, S-allyl cysteine, allicin, lycopene, capsaicin, curcumin, 6-gingerol, ellagic acid, ursolic acid, silymarin, anethol, catechins and eugenol. Because these agents have been shown to suppress cancer cell proliferation, inhibit growth factor signaling pathways, induce apoptosis, inhibit NF-kappaB, AP-1 and JAK-STAT activation pathways, inhibit angiogenesis, suppress the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, they may have untapped therapeutic value. These chemopreventive agents also have very recently been found to reverse chemoresistance and radioresistance in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Thus, these chemopreventive agents have potential to be used as adjuncts to current cancer therapies.
Comprehensive Cancer Center, Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center, New York Medical College, Bronx, NY 10466, USA.
Thambi
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Dorai
Bharat B
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Aggarwal
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D016328:NF-kappa B; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases