Carnosine and cancer: A perspective

Abstract

The application of carnosine in medicine has been discussed since several years, but many claims of therapeutic effects have not been substantiated by rigorous experimental examination. In the present perspective, a possible use of carnosine as an anti-neoplastic therapeutic, especially for the treatment of malignant brain tumours such as glioblastoma is discussed. Possible mechanisms by which carnosine may perform its anti-tumourigenic effects are outlined and its expected bioavailability and possible negative and positive side effects are considered. Finally, alternative strategies are examined such as treatment with other dipeptides or β-alanine. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.