Int J Biochem Mol Biol 2012;3(4):328-351
Review Article
Cancer-linked targets modulated by curcumin
Noor Hasima, Bharat B Aggarwal
Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States; 2Institute Science Biology, Faculty of Science, University of
Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Received September 26, 2012; Accepted October 21, 2012; Epub December 24, 2012; Published December 30,
2012
Abstract: In spite of major advances in oncology, the World Health Organization predicts that cancer incidence will
double within the next two decades. Although it is well understood that cancer is a hyperproliferative disorder mediated
through dysregulation of multiple cell signaling pathways, most cancer drug development remains focused on
modulation of specific targets, mostly one at a time, with agents referred to as “targeted therapies,” “smart drugs,”
or “magic bullets.” How many cancer targets there are is not known, and how many targets must be attacked to control
cancer growth is not well understood. Although more than 90% of cancer-linked deaths are due to metastasis
of the tumor to vital organs, most drug targeting is focused on killing the primary tumor. Besides lacking specificity,
the targeted drugs induce toxicity and side effects that sometimes are greater problems than the disease itself.
Furthermore, the cost of some of these drugs is so high that most people cannot afford them. The present report
describes the potential anticancer properties of curcumin, a component of the Indian spice turmeric (Curcuma
longa), known for its safety and low cost. Curcumin can selectively modulate multiple cell signaling pathways linked
to inflammation and to survival, growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer cells. More clinical trials
of curcumin are needed to prove its usefulness in the cancer setting. (IJBMB1209004).
Keywords: Curcumin, cancer targets
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Bharat B Aggarwal
Cytokine Research Laboratory
Department of Experimental Therapeutics
The University of TexasMD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Phone: 713-7941817
E-mail: aggarwal@mdanderson.org
Review Article
Cancer-linked targets modulated by curcumin
Noor Hasima, Bharat B Aggarwal
Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States; 2Institute Science Biology, Faculty of Science, University of
Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Received September 26, 2012; Accepted October 21, 2012; Epub December 24, 2012; Published December 30,
2012
Abstract: In spite of major advances in oncology, the World Health Organization predicts that cancer incidence will
double within the next two decades. Although it is well understood that cancer is a hyperproliferative disorder mediated
through dysregulation of multiple cell signaling pathways, most cancer drug development remains focused on
modulation of specific targets, mostly one at a time, with agents referred to as “targeted therapies,” “smart drugs,”
or “magic bullets.” How many cancer targets there are is not known, and how many targets must be attacked to control
cancer growth is not well understood. Although more than 90% of cancer-linked deaths are due to metastasis
of the tumor to vital organs, most drug targeting is focused on killing the primary tumor. Besides lacking specificity,
the targeted drugs induce toxicity and side effects that sometimes are greater problems than the disease itself.
Furthermore, the cost of some of these drugs is so high that most people cannot afford them. The present report
describes the potential anticancer properties of curcumin, a component of the Indian spice turmeric (Curcuma
longa), known for its safety and low cost. Curcumin can selectively modulate multiple cell signaling pathways linked
to inflammation and to survival, growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer cells. More clinical trials
of curcumin are needed to prove its usefulness in the cancer setting. (IJBMB1209004).
Keywords: Curcumin, cancer targets
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Bharat B Aggarwal
Cytokine Research Laboratory
Department of Experimental Therapeutics
The University of TexasMD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Phone: 713-7941817
E-mail: aggarwal@mdanderson.org
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