Phytotherapeutics in cancer invasion and metastasis

Phytother Res. 2018 Aug;32(8):1425-1449. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6087. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Abstract

Cancer is a multifactorial disease, and therefore, a multitarget approach is needed to face the complex cancer biology, based on the combined use of different natural and synthetic anticancer agents able to target synergistically multiple signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, including angiogenesis and metastasis. In this view, the plant kingdom represents an unlimited source of phytotherapeutics with promising perspectives in the field of anticancer drug discovery. This narrative review aims to provide an updated overview on the bioactive phytochemicals exhibiting a promising potential as adjuvants in conventional anticancer therapies, with emphasis on antiangiogenic and antimetastatic activities.

Keywords: adjuvant therapy; anticancer drugs; cancer chemoprevention; chemotherapy; phytochemicals; plant products.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plants / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Phytochemicals