Editor: Haroon Khan

Phytonutrients in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer

eBook: US $59 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $101
Printed Copy: US $71
Library License: US $236
ISBN: 978-981-5049-64-0 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-5049-63-3 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2023
DOI: 10.2174/97898150496331230101

Introduction

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Recent research demonstrates that phytochemicals are critical in preventing and managing gastrointestinal cancer. The increased intake of phytochemicals could reduce the risk of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressing angiogenesis as well as cancer cell metastasis. These mechanisms are also known to counter Helicobacter pylori infection and modulate gut microbiota. There is preliminary data suggesting that daily supplementation with high doses of certain vitamins combined with conventional therapeutic agents may enhance their growth inhibitory effects on tumor cells and protect normal tissues against some of their toxic effects.

This book attempts to fill gaps on the role of phytonutrients in the treatment of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It discusses the action of individual vitamins on cellular and molecular parameters and describes how vitamins inhibit protein kinase C activity, increase the production of certain growth factors, and modulate the expression of a number of oncogenes.

The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part summarizes the pathophysiology of GIT cancers and introduces readers to anticancer phytonutrients. A chapter on the status of FDA approved nutraceuticals rounds up this section. The second part of the book provides a systematic review on the different plant derived chemicals that can be used to treat GIT cancer. Each chapter in this section focuses on a specific type of phytochemical agent and its molecular mechanisms relevant to the disease.

This book will give the reader a holistic view of gastrointestinal cancer treatment and the value of natural compounds in developing functional food and drugs for preventive medicine.

Audience

General readers, physicians and caregivers

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.

Prof. Dr. Haroon Khan
Department of Pharmacy
Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan-23200
Pakistan