title: Fucoidan and cancer: a multifunctional molecule with anti-tumor potential.
abstract: There is a wide variety of cancer types yet, all share some common cellular and molecular behaviors. Most of the chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment are designed to target common deregulated mechanisms within cancer cells. Many healthy tissues are also affected by the cytotoxic effects of these chemical agents. Fucoidan, a natural component of brown seaweed, has anti-cancer activity against various cancer types by targeting key apoptotic molecules. It also has beneficial effects as it can protect against toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. Thus the synergistic effect of fucoidan with current anti-cancer agents is of considerable interest. This review discusses the mechanisms by which fucoidan retards tumor development, eradicates tumor cells and synergizes with anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Challenges to the development of fucoidan as an anti-cancer agent will also be discussed.
authors: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia. Farzaneh.atashrazm@utas.edu.au.
authors: Farzaneh
authors: F
authors: Atashrazm
authors: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia. R.M.Lowenthal@utas.edu.au.
authors: Ray M
authors: RM
authors: Lowenthal
authors: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia. G.M.Woods@utas.edu.au.
authors: Gregory M
authors: GM
authors: Woods
authors: School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia. A.F.Holloway@utas.edu.au.
authors: Adele F
authors: AF
authors: Holloway
authors: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia. Jo.Dickinson@utas.edu.au.
authors: Joanne L
authors: JL
authors: Dickinson
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055951:Functional Food / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects; D008954:Models, Biological; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000459:Phaeophyceae / Q000737:chemistry; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012624:Seaweed / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D011134:Polysaccharides; C007789:fucoidan