Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells that are responsible for cancer initiation and relapse. They are generally resistant to the current anticancer agents. Successful anticancer therapy must consist of approaches that can target not only the differentiated cancer cells, but also cancer stem cells. Emerging evidence suggested that the dietary agent curcumin exerted its anti-cancer activities via targeting cancer stem cells of various origins such as those of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and head and neck cancer. In order to enhance the therapeutic potential of curcumin, this agent has been modified or used in combination with other agents in the experimental therapy for many cancers. In this mini-review, we discussed the effect of curcumin and its derivatives in eliminating cancer stem cells and the possible underlying mechanisms.
Keywords: Cancer stem cells, combination, curcumin, microRNA, therapy.
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Curcumin: A Promising Agent Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Volume: 14 Issue: 6
Author(s): Shufei Zang, Tao Liu, Junping Shi and Liang Qiao
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cancer stem cells, combination, curcumin, microRNA, therapy.
Abstract: Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells that are responsible for cancer initiation and relapse. They are generally resistant to the current anticancer agents. Successful anticancer therapy must consist of approaches that can target not only the differentiated cancer cells, but also cancer stem cells. Emerging evidence suggested that the dietary agent curcumin exerted its anti-cancer activities via targeting cancer stem cells of various origins such as those of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and head and neck cancer. In order to enhance the therapeutic potential of curcumin, this agent has been modified or used in combination with other agents in the experimental therapy for many cancers. In this mini-review, we discussed the effect of curcumin and its derivatives in eliminating cancer stem cells and the possible underlying mechanisms.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Zang Shufei, Liu Tao, Shi Junping and Qiao Liang, Curcumin: A Promising Agent Targeting Cancer Stem Cells, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 14 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520614666140521114735
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520614666140521114735 |
Print ISSN 1871-5206 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5992 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Induction of cell death in cancer cells by modulating telomerase activity using small molecule drugs
Telomeres are distinctive but short stretches present at the corners of chromosomes and aid in stabilizing chromosomal makeup. Resynthesis of telomeres supported by the activity of reverse transcriptase ribonucleoprotein complex telomerase. There is no any telomerase activity in human somatic cells, but the stem cells and germ cells undergone telomerase ...read more
Signaling and enzymatic modulators in cancer treatment
Cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022 and is considered the leading cause of worldwide mortality. Cancer outcome can be improved through an appropriate screening and early detection and through an efficient clinical treatment. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the most important approach for the treatment of several ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Anticarcinogenic Actions of Tributyrin, A Butyric Acid Prodrug
Current Drug Targets Quercetin and MicroRNA Interplay in Apoptosis Regulation in Ovarian Cancer
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Interplay between Cofilin and Phospho-Cofilin: Its Role in Maintaining Blood Brain Barrier Integrity
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets CEACAM1 in Malignant Melanoma: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Innate Immunity and Microbes: Conversations with the Gut Leading to Intestinal Tissue Repair and Fibrosis
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Antitumor Properties of Natural Compounds and Related Molecules
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery Aflibercept (VEGF-TRAP): The Next Anti-VEGF Drug
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Targeted Degradation of Proteins by Small Molecules: A Novel Tool for Functional Proteomics†
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening The Use of SIFT-MS in Profiling the Faecal Volatile Metabolome in Horses with Colic: A Pilot Study
Current Analytical Chemistry Transforming Growth Factor-β Superfamily: Evaluation as Breast Cancer Biomarkers and Preventive Agents
Current Cancer Drug Targets The Ayurvedic Bhasma: The Ancient Science of Nanomedicine
Recent Patents on Nanomedicine The Small Bowel: An Imaging Guide
Current Medical Imaging Design, Synthesis and Studies on Novel Polymeric Prodrugs of Erlotinib for Colon Drug Delivery
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry A Review of Studies on Targeting Interleukin 4 Receptor for Central Nervous System Malignancy
Current Molecular Medicine Adenovirus-based Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Influence of Resveratrol on Sphingolipid Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Lipid Overload State
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Can an Apple a Day Keep the Doctor Away?
Current Pharmaceutical Design Editorial on the Occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Endocrine Metabolic Immune Disorders-Drug Targets Journal with a Kaleidoscopic Vision of Selected Publications
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Editorial (Another Year of Prosperity for Current Molecular Medicine)
Current Molecular Medicine NAD Precursors, Mitochondria Targeting Compounds and ADP-Ribosylation Inhibitors in Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry