Maytansinoids in cancer therapy: advancements in antibody-drug conjugates and nanotechnology-enhanced drug delivery systems.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, driving the need for innovative therapies. Among natural compounds, maytansinoids have shown significant promise, contributing to nearly 25% of recently approved anticancer drugs. Despite their potential, early clinical trials faced challenges due to severe side effects, prompting advancements in delivery systems such as antibody-maytansinoid conjugates (AMCs).

Didemnins as marine-derived anticancer agents: mechanistic insights and clinical potential.

Didemnins, a class of cyclic depsipeptides derived from marine organisms exhibit notable anticancer properties. Among them, Didemnin B has been extensively researched for its strong antitumor activity and progression to clinical trials. Nonetheless, its clinical application has been impeded by challenges like poor bioavailability and dose-limiting toxicity.

Modulating the p53-MDM2 pathway: the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in cancer treatment.

The p53-MDM2 pathway plays a crucial role regulating tumor suppression and is a focal point of cancer research. This literature review delves into the complex interplay between the tumor suppressor protein p53 and its main regulator MDM2, highlighting their interaction and implications in cancer development and progression. The review compiles and summarizes the existing understanding of the biology and regulation of p53 and MDM2, emphasizing their roles in various cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and metabolism.

Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolytic Derivatives: Promising Phytochemicals With Anticancer Potential.

Recent research has increasingly focused on phytochemicals as promising anticancer agents, with glucosinolates (GSLs) and their hydrolytic derivatives playing a central role. These sulfur-containing compounds, found in plants of the Brassicales order, are converted by myrosinase enzymes into biologically active products, primarily isothiocyanates (ITCs) and indoles, which exhibit significant anticancer properties. Indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane, sulforaphane (SFN), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), benzyl isothiocyanate, and allyl isothiocyanate have shown potent anticancer effects in animal models, particularly in breast, prostate, lung, melanoma, bladder, hepatoma, and gastrointestinal cancers.