Targeting cellular signaling for cancer prevention and therapy by phytochemicals

Abstract

Phytochemicals are plant-derived compounds and have been considered as promising chemopreventive agents for decades. Phytochemicals are broadly classified as carotenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing compounds, and organosulfur compounds. These plant-derived compounds modulate the hallmark events in tumorigenesis including the control of cellular redox, cell proliferation and death, angiogenesis, and cell migration. Preclinical studies on a number of phytochemicals in mouse models support anticancer activities of these compounds. Clinical studies of some phytochemicals reveal inconsistency with preclinical findings, thus highlighting the necessity of detailed in vivo analysis of the mechanism of action of these compounds prior to initiate large-scale clinical trials. This chapter describes some of the key molecular cellular signaling that could be targeted to utilize full benefits of these phytochemicals for cancer prevention and therapy.