Combinations of isothiocyanates with drugs - A chance or threat to chemoprevention and cancer treatment?

Abstract

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are a group of compounds of natural origin which exhibit anticancer properties. In addition to the cytotoxic impact on cancer cells, confirmed in the multiple cell lines and the in vivo models, ITCs exhibit the cytoprotective effect in normal cells by regulating the activity of enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. These properties of ITCs have led to a continuing increase in the number of studies which have shown that ITCs can sensitize cancer cells to cytostatic drugs used as standard in cancer therapies. On the other hand, these compounds may decrease the effectiveness of drugs by deregulating the metabolizing system of the cell. This paper discusses the results of a preclinical study on ITCs applications in combination therapy as well as their role in drug metabolism.