Dietary phytochemicals and cancer chemoprevention: a review of the clinical evidence - PubMed
- ️Fri Jan 01 2016
Review
Dietary phytochemicals and cancer chemoprevention: a review of the clinical evidence
Ritesh Kotecha et al. Oncotarget. 2016.
Abstract
Cancer chemoprevention involves the use of different natural or biologic agents to inhibit or reverse tumor growth. Epidemiological and pre-clinical data suggest that various natural phytochemicals and dietary compounds possess chemopreventive properties, and in-vitro and animal studies support that these compounds may modulate signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis in transformed cells, enhance the host immune system and sensitize malignant cells to cytotoxic agents. Despite promising results from experimental studies, only a limited number of these compounds have been tested in clinical trials and have shown variable results. In this review, we summarize the data regarding select phytochemicals including curcumin, resveratrol, lycopene, folates and tea polyphenols with emphasis on the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of these compounds in high-risk populations.
Keywords: antioxidants; cancer chemoprevention; curcumin; phytochemicals; resveratrol.
Conflict of interest statement
There is no conflict of interest to declare.
Figures
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Phytochemicals may exert their chemopreventive effects by blocking key events of tumor initiation and promotion thus reversing the premalignant stage. These agents may also prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting or retarding tumor progression or by promoting cell differentiation.
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