Curcumin in cancer therapy: Exploring molecular mechanisms and overcoming clinical challenges

Cancer poses a significant global health burden, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as conventional frontline interventions. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have shown remarkable advancements, the challenges of resistance development and severe side effects persist in cancer treatment. Consequently, researchers have actively sought more effective alternatives with improved safety profiles. In recent years, curcumin, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, has garnered considerable attention due to its broad spectrum of biological effects. This concise review provides valuable insights into the role of curcumin in cancer therapy, with a focus on elucidating its molecular mechanisms in inducing programmed cell death of tumor cells and suppressing tumor cell metastasis potential. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with the clinical application of curcumin and explore current endeavors aimed at overcoming these limitations. By shedding light on the promising potential of curcumin, this review contributes to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies.

Automated summary

Cancer is a global health burden, and conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy are commonly used treatments. However, resistance and side effects remain challenges. Curcumin, a natural compound, has gained attention for its broad range of biological effects. This review discusses the role of curcumin in cancer therapy, focusing on its molecular mechanisms in inducing tumor cell death and suppressing metastasis. The challenges and current efforts in clinical application of curcumin are also explored, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies.