Ingenol mebutate in cancer therapy: mechanisms, clinical applications and future directions.

Ingenol mebutate (IM), a diterpene ester derived from Euphorbia species, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties through direct cytotoxicity and immune modulation. Despite initial clinical success, its therapeutic use has been curtailed due to safety concerns, including potential links to increased skin cancer risk. This review evaluates the mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical efficacy, safety, and limitations of IM as an anticancer agent, identifying areas for further development.