Preface

Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are the most common human malignancies. In this regard, the prevalence of esophageal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer and gallbladder cancer, are on the rise. Despite advances in cancer treatment, increasing reports are focusing on finding novel therapies possessing lower side effects and higher potency. From the mechanistic point of view, several dysregulated factors are behind the pathophysiology of GIT cancers. Multiple studies have shown molecular targeted therapies in various GIT cancers, including epidermal growth factor receptor pathway (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor pathway (VEGF), Wnt/β-catenin pathway and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR). The aforementioned mediators are the critical targets of the existence of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules in treating GIT cancers. Accordingly, providing the exact dysregulated mechanisms behind GIT cancers could pave the road in the treatment of cancers.

Phytochemicals have been important resources of preventive and curative entities for a variety of diseases, such as cancer. To a certain extent, enough investigation has been made over the last few decades in an attempt to investigate natural compounds that possess anti-cancer properties. Phytochemicals used in the management of malignancies appear to be obligatory, serving as the cornerstone for the latest medicine as well as a rich reserve of novel medicines. Phytonutrients are the main principles present in plants that possess a great role in their protection against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi and as a result of certain detoxification processes within the plant. There are many recommendations to increase the intake of high amounts of fresh colored vegetables and fruits, besides whole grains (cereals) and beans, which contain phytoconstituents that participate in lowering the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, hypertension, in addition to certain heart diseases. The effect of phytonutrients differs according to their chemical class and amount. They may act as antioxidants, which mainly prevent carcinogens' effects on the healthy body.

This book focuses on the types of available phytonutrients and their regimens, comprehensive knowledge about phytonutrients, their targeted mechanism of action in the management of GI cancer, clinical findings of phytonutrients, synergistic effect with other anti-cancer medicines and future prospects of phytonutrients in treating GI carcinoma.