Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer by Natural Compounds

Colorectal cancer, a commonly diagnosed cancer, is a leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in men and women globally. Amongst the current treatments for colorectal cancer including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, surgical resection provides the most benefit. However, the recurrence rate after traditional treatment is high, and treatment failure is related to recurrence and metastasis. Although postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy can reduce these factors to prolong patient life, systemic toxicity and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs reduces their effectiveness for colorectal cancer treatment. Therefore, multidrug resistance is a major cause for concern in colorectal cancer treatment. This review focuses on recent studies of natural compounds derived from plants, animals or marine organisms related to colorectal cancer treatment including published clinical trials. Studies have indicated that natural compounds might be of benefit as chemotherapeutic agents, chemopreventive agents, or chemosensitizers in combination chemotherapy strategies. We discuss the mechanisms involved in the reversal of multidrug resistance by natural products for cancer chemotherapy. The evidence suggests natural compounds might have potential for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.