title: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cancer: lessons learned from clinical trials.
abstract: Over the past decades, extensive studies have addressed the therapeutic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) against different human diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, etc. A growing body of scientific research shows the pharmacokinetic information and safety of these natural occurring substances. Moreover, during recent years, a plethora of studies has demonstrated that omega-3 FAs possess therapeutic role against certain types of cancer. It is also known that omega-3 FAs can improve efficacy and tolerability of chemotherapy. Previous reports showed that suppression of nuclear factor-κB, activation of AMPK/SIRT1, modulation of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, and up-regulation of novel anti-inflammatory lipid mediators such as protectins, maresins, and resolvins, are the main mechanisms of antineoplastic effect of omega-3 FAs. In this review, we have collected the available clinical data on the therapeutic role of omega-3 FAs against breast cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, as well as cancer cachexia. We also discussed the chemistry, dietary source, and bioavailability of omega-3 FAs, and the potential molecular mechanisms of anticancer and adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Fazel
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Nabavi
authors.affiliation: National Research Council, Institute of Food Sciences, 83100, Avellino, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bilotto
authors.affiliation: National Research Council, Institute of Food Sciences, 83100, Avellino, Italy. glrusso@isa.cnr.it.
authors.forename: Gian Luigi
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ilkay Erdogan
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Orhan
authors.affiliation: Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories, Medway School of Science, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
authors.forename: Solomon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Habtemariam
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy. maria.daglia@unipv.it.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daglia
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 004, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Kasi Pandima
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Devi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica Rosa
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Loizzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tundis
authors.affiliation: Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Mohammad
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Nabavi
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3
keywords: Cancer; Clinical trials; Nuclear factor-κB; Omega-3 FA