Next-Gen Therapeutics for Skin Cancer: Nutraceuticals

Nutr Cancer. 2018 Jul;70(5):697-709. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2018.1470651. Epub 2018 May 15.

Abstract

Growing modernization and lifestyle changes with limited physical activity have impacted diet and health, leading to an increased cancer mortality rate worldwide. As a result, there is a greater need than before to develop safe and novel anticancer drugs. Current treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, induce unintended side effects, compromising patient's quality of life, and physical well-being. Therefore, there has been an increased global interest in the use of dietary supplements and traditional herbal medicines for treatment of cancer. Recently, nutraceuticals or "natural" substances isolated from food have attracted considerable attention in the cancer field. Emerging research suggests that nutraceuticals may indeed prevent and protect against cancer. The intent of this article is to review some of the current spice-derived nutraceuticals in the treatment of melanoma and skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Capsaicin / pharmacology
  • Capsaicin / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / prevention & control
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Spices*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Capsaicin