Silibinin: A new opportunity for the treatment of brain metastasis from lung cancer

Abstract

Despite multimodal treatment, the prognosis of brain metastases (BM) remains limited, with a survival of only a few months. In this report, silibinin (or silybin), a natural polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from seed extracts of the herb milk thistle, is discussed as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of BM. This molecule has an anticancer effect, blocking the migratory and invasive properties of neoplastic cells. This mechanism is focused on controlling the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-mediated pathway. STAT3 plays a major role in the growth of tumors and leads to metastasis, including BM. The promising but preliminary clinical results achieved by silibinin on lung cancer BM suggest new opportunities for combined treatment with radiotherapy and/or temozolomide, not just to limit severe neurological symptoms but also to control clinical progression of the disease.