scholarly journals Chemotherapy and Dietary Phytochemical Agents

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Sak

Chemotherapy has been used for cancer treatment already for almost 70 years by targeting the proliferation potential and metastasising ability of tumour cells. Despite the progress made in the development of potent chemotherapy drugs, their toxicity to normal tissues and adverse side effects in multiple organ systems as well as drug resistance have remained the major obstacles for the successful clinical use. Cytotoxic agents decrease considerably the quality of life of cancer patients manifesting as acute complaints and impacting the life of survivors also for years after the treatment. Toxicity often limits the usefulness of anticancer agents being also the reason why many patients discontinue the treatment. The nutritional approach may be the means of helping to raise cancer therapy to a new level of success as supplementing or supporting the body with natural phytochemicals cannot only reduce adverse side effects but improve also the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics. Various plant-derived compounds improve the efficiency of cytotoxic agents, decrease their resistance, lower and alleviate toxic side effects, reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome, and detoxify the body of chemotherapeutics. The personalised approach using various phytochemicals provides thus a new dimension to the standard cancer therapy for improving its outcome in a complex and complementary way.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Cheslow ◽  
Adam E Snook ◽  
Scott A Waldman

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a highly prevalent and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that is typically diagnosed in an advanced stage. Currently, there are no approved biomarkers that reliably identify PD patients before they have undergone extensive neuronal damage, eliminating the opportunity for future disease-modifying therapies to intervene in disease progression. This unmet need for diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers has fueled PD research for decades, but these efforts have not yet yielded actionable results. Recently, studies exploring mechanisms underlying PD progression have offered insights into multisystemic contributions to pathology, challenging the classic perspective of PD as a disease isolated to the brain. This shift in understanding has opened the door to potential new biomarkers from multiple sites in the body. This review focuses on emerging candidates for PD biomarkers in the context of current diagnostic approaches and multiple organ systems that contribute to disease.


Blood ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1021-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
RT Schooley ◽  
MA Flaum ◽  
HR Gralnick ◽  
AS Fauci

Abstract The idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, a disorder characterized by peripheral blood and bone marrow eosinophilia associated with single or multiple organ system dysfunction attributable to tissue invasion by eosinophils has, in the past, been associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Recently, we reported the favorable impact of a therapeutic protocol consisting of prednisone and/or hydroxyurea on the morbidity and mortality of this syndrome. We have reviewed the clinical and hematologic features upon admission and the subsequent clinical courses of 32 patients with this disease referred to the NIH between 1965 and 1979 in an effort to determine which features suggest a more rapidly progressive course. A grading system based on 22 clinical features involving the 8 organ systems commonly affected by the illness was devised. The disease followed a more aggressive course in patients with evidence of cardiac or neurologic dysfunction at the time of initial NIH evaluation. Although splenomegaly, in and of itself, caused little morbidity, splenic enlargement at presentation appeared to be a predictor of a more aggressive course. The clinical grading system accurately predicted which patients would require no specific antihypereosinophilic therapy, which patients would respond adequately to corticosteroids, and which patients would require therapy with cytotoxic agents. It is proposed that this clinical grading system, and the hematologic grading system outlined in the accompanying report be used as aids in the selection of initial therapy in this group of patients.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 499-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally M. Amos ◽  
Connie P. M. Duong ◽  
Jennifer A. Westwood ◽  
David S. Ritchie ◽  
Richard P. Junghans ◽  
...  

Abstract In this age of promise of new therapies for cancer, immunotherapy is emerging as an exciting treatment option for patients. Vaccines and cytokines are being tested extensively in clinical trials, and strategies using monoclonal antibodies and cell transfer are mediating dramatic regression of tumors in patients with certain malignancies. However, although initially advocated as being more specific for cancer and having fewer side effects than conventional therapies, it is becoming increasingly clear that many immunotherapies can lead to immune reactions against normal tissues. Immunotoxicities resulting from treatment can range from relatively minor conditions, such as skin depigmentation, to severe toxicities against crucial organ systems, such as liver, bowel, and lung. Treatment-related toxicity has correlated with better responses in some cases, and it is probable that serious adverse events from immune-mediated reactions will increase in frequency and severity as immunotherapeutic approaches become more effective. This review introduces immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment, provides details of toxicities arising from therapy, and discusses future potential ways to avoid or circumvent these side effects.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (26) ◽  
pp. 2871-2878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amato J. Giaccia

Traditional cytotoxic agents used in cancer therapy were initially discovered based on their ability to kill rapidly dividing cells. The targets of these early-generation agents were typically one or more aspects of DNA synthesis or mitosis. Thus, dose-limiting toxicities commonly associated with these agents include GI dysfunction, immunosuppression, and other consequences of injury to normal tissues in which cells are replicating under normal physiologic conditions. Although many of these agents still play an important role in cancer therapy when given concurrently with radiation therapy, the major thrust of radiobiology research in the last two decades has focused on discovering tumor-specific traits that might be exploited for more selective targeting that would enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy with less normal tissue toxicity. These newer generation molecular targeted therapies interfere with the growth of tumor cells by inhibiting genes and their protein products that are needed specifically by the tumor for survival and expansion. These agents can be complementary to radiotherapy, a spatially targeted agent. Although there have been extraordinary technical advances in radiotherapy in recent years, we are reaching the limits of improvements that radiotherapy delivery technology can bring and need different approaches. This review will highlight promising new tumor biology–based targets and other novel strategies to reduce normal tissue injury, increase tumor control, and expand the use of radiotherapy to treat widespread metastatic disease.


2011 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 799-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uwe Güth ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Myrick ◽  
Andreas Schötzau ◽  
Nerbil Kilic ◽  
Seraina Margaretha Schmid

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Imam Susilo ◽  
Himmayatussorofil Maulida ◽  
Lindawati Alimsardjono ◽  
Dyah Fauziah ◽  
Herinda Pertiwi

Cisplatin is a well-known chemotherapeutic drug. It is one of the most effective anticancer agents and is widely used for the treatment of several types of tumors. However, side effects in normal tissues and organs, such as nephrotoxicity that induces apoptosis in epithelial cells in the kidney, limit the use of cisplatin. Glutamine is a substrate for the synthesis of glutathione as an antioxidant and promotes HSP70 release, protecting cells from apoptosis induced by different stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of glutamine on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in the kidney. Mice were divided into three groups such as a group of control (P0), a group of intraperitoneal injection of a single dose cisplatin 20 mg/kg BW at 7th day (P1), and a group of intravenous glutamine injection 100 mg/kg BW at days 1–7 and given an intraperitoneal injection of single dose cisplatin 20 mg/kg BW at 7th day (P2). Measurement of AIF expression and apoptotic cells was carried out by immunohistochemical methods. The number of AIF expressions and apoptotic cells is expressed in the Allred score. AIF expression result is as follows: P0: 3.29 ± 0.79, P1: 5.32 ± 0.68, and P2: 4.49 ± 0.47. Apoptosis result is as follows: P0: 3.04 ± 0.70, P1: 5.26 ± 0.53, and P2: 4.44 ± 0.41. There is a decreased expression of AIF on intravenous glutamine administration, followed by a decrease in apoptosis in the podocyte. In conclusion, glutamine administration might represent the treatment of nephrotoxic-induced cisplatin.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (40) ◽  
pp. 5174-5187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abimanyu Sugumaran ◽  
Vishali Mathialagan

Background: The second most common malignant cancer of the uterus is cervical cancer, which is present worldwide, has a rising death rate and is predominant in developing countries. Different classes of anticancer agents are used to treat cervical carcinoma. The use of these agents results in severe untoward side-effects, toxicity, and multidrug resistance (MDR) with higher chances of recurrence and spread beyond the pelvic region. Moreover, the resulting clinical outcome remains very poor even after surgical procedures and treatment with conventional chemotherapy. Because of the nonspecificity of their use, the agents wipe out both cancerous and normal tissues. Colloidal nano dispersions have now been focusing on site-specific delivery for cervical cancer, and there has been much advancement. Methods: This review aims to highlight the problems in the current treatment of cervical cancer and explore the potential of colloidal nanocarriers for selective delivery of anticancer drugs using available literature. Results: In this study, we surveyed the role and potential of different colloidal nanocarriers in cervical cancer, such as nanoemulsion, nanodispersions, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles and photothermal and photodynamic therapy. We found significant advancement in colloidal nanocarrier-based cervical cancer treatment. Conclusion: Cervical cancer-targeted treatment with colloidal nanocarriers would hopefully result in minimal toxic side effects, reduced dosage frequency, and lower MDR incidence and enhance the patient survival rates. The future direction of the study should be focused more on the regulatory barrier of nanocarriers based on clinical outcomes for cervical cancer targeting with cost-effective analysis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (17) ◽  
pp. 1491-1511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shams Aaghaz ◽  
Vivek Gohel ◽  
Ahmed Kamal

Cancer consists of heterogeneous multiple cell subpopulation which at a later stage develop resistant phenotypes, which include resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli and/or cytotoxic resistance to anticancer compounds. The property of cancerous cells to affect almost any part of the body categorizes cancer to many anatomic and molecular subtypes, each requiring a particular therapeutic intervention. As several modalities are hindered in a variety of cancers and as the cancer cells accrue varied types of oncogenic mutations during their progression the most likely benefit will be obtained by a combination of therapeutic agents that might address the diverse hallmarks of cancer. Natural compounds are the backbone of cancer therapeutics owing to their property of affecting the DNA impairment and restoration mechanisms and also the gene expression modulated via several epigenetic molecular mechanisms. Bioactive peptides isolated from flora and fauna have transformed the arena of antitumour therapy and prompt progress in preclinical studies is promising. The difficulties in creating ACP rest in improving its delivery to the tumour site and it also must maintain a low toxicity profile. The substantial production costs, low selectivity and proteolytic stability of some ACP are some of the factors hindering the progress of peptide drug development. Recently, several publications have tried to edify the field with the idea of using peptides as adjuvants with established drugs for antineoplastic use. This review focuses on peptides from natural sources that precisely target tumour cells and subsequently serve as anticancer agents that are less toxic to normal tissues.


Author(s):  
Rama Sharma ◽  
Nancy Srivastava

Background: Cancer is a widespread fatal disease that is associated with abnormal growth of cells in the body. Objectives: This article represent, applications of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles and their mode of action in cancer therapy. Methods: Nanomedicines have been proved to be an effective therapy in the treatment of the disease because of a wide range of applications. Due to the small shape and size, these nanoparticles are emerging to be of novel importance. They are abundantly found in various resources with easy extraction Results: Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles are safe for humans as well as for the environment. These may replace the use of these harmful therapies like chemotherapy etc. using in cancer treatment because these have severe side effects. Sometimes patient may die because of these side effects. Conclusion: These green nanoparticles have great potential to treat and diagnose different cancers. This article laid a research opportunity for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19637-e19637
Author(s):  
Joan Vern Lucca ◽  
Catherine L. Hooper ◽  
Jean Boucher ◽  
Lillian Vitale Pedulla ◽  
Donna Lynn Berry ◽  
...  

e19637 Background: Adherence for oral anticancer agents is a major concern for patients in the ambulatory setting. Adherence rates for oral medication regimens are associated with proper knowledge and monitoring for adverse side effects including symptom management. To improve patient-reported adherence we studied feasibility of a DCN educational intervention to enhance participant knowledge and adherence to erlotinib while monitoring for side effects. Methods: A prospective, pilot study with 30 NSCLC patients was conducted. The study included a DCN structured education session utilizing an adapted educational tool (MOATT) from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC); followed within 72 hours by a DCN phone call to assess patient learning, adherence, and adverse side effects. Primary endpoints included participant-reported Knowledge Rating Scale (KRS) scores and adherence behaviors measured by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Adverse side effects and feasibility data were analyzed for each DCN/patient encounter. Results: MMAS-8 adherence scores indicated medium (n=11) to high (n=14) adherence rates and high KRS scores (mean 8.9, range of 7.5-10). Mean age of patients was 67 years (range 45-84 years), majority were female (81%), with race/ethnicity as Caucasian 80%, Asian 10%, and Black 10%. Mean number of erlotinib adverse events was 2.48 per patient and 22% reported 4 or more side effects. Patients contacted DCN 60 times between start and end of protocol. Feasibility included 90% (n=27/30) completing the protocol, mean time 30 minutes to administer educational session and 14 minutes for DCN 72-hour follow-up phone call. Documentation of visits indicated nurse education and follow-up, including monitoring side effects, provided valued supportive care. Conclusions: Data supports the need for and feasibilty of a nurse-led structured protocol to enhance adherence, knowledge, and symptom management. Further study of this education/monitoring intervention for patients initiating oral anticancer agents in the ambulatory setting is recommended.


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