Li, Y and Zhang, T (2014) Targeting cancer stem cells by curcumin and clinical applications. CANCER LETTERS. pp. 197-205.

Abstract

Curcumin is a well-known dietary polyphenol derived from the rhizomes of turmeric, an Indian spice. The anticancer effect of curcumin has been demonstrated in many cell and animal studies, and recent research has shown that curcumin can target cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are proposed to be responsible for initiating and maintaining cancer, and contribute to recurrence and drug resistance. A number of studies have suggested that curcumin has the potential to target CSCs through regulation of CSC self-renewal pathways (Wnt/beta-catenin, Notch, sonic hedgehog) and specific microRNAs involved in acquisition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The potential impact of curcumin, alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, on CSCs was evaluated as well. Furthermore, the safety and tolerability of curcumin have been well-established by numerous clinical studies. Importantly, the low bioavailability of curcumin has been dramatically improved through the use of structural analogues or special formulations. More clinical trials are underway to investigate the efficacy of this promising agent in cancer chemoprevention and therapy. In this article, we review the effects of curcumin on CSC self-renewal pathways and specific microRNAs, as well as its safety and efficacy in recent human studies. In conclusion, curcumin could be a very promising adjunct to traditional cancer treatments. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	NIBR author: Zhang, T institute: NIBR contributor address: Montclair State Univ, Dept Hlth & Nutr Sci, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA liya@mail.montclair.edu; Novartis Pharmaceut, Novartis Inst Biomed Res, Drug Metab & Pharmacokinet, E Hanover, NJ 07936 USA tao-4.zhang@novartis.com; Montclair State Univ, Dept Hlth & Nutr Sci, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA; Li, Y Y; Montclair State Univ, Dept Hlth & Nutr Sci, Univ Hall 4190,1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Date Deposited:	13 Oct 2015 13:12
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2015 13:12
URI:	https://oak.novartis.com/id/eprint/22587