Curcumin: A review of anti‑cancer properties and therapeutic activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer research · Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Curcumin exerts anti‑proliferative, anti‑survival and anti‑angiogenic effects on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through modulation of multiple cellular pathways, including inhibition of NF‑κB activity and downstream gene products such as c‑myc, Bcl‑2, COX‑2, NOS, Cyclin D1, TNF‑α, interleukins and MMP‑9.

Curcumin, a polyphenol from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been used historically as a safe dietary supplement. Recent evidence highlights its anti‑cancer potential through effects on multiple biological pathways—apoptosis, cell‑cycle regulation, inhibition of NF‑κB and downstream targets (c‑myc, Bcl‑2, COX‑2, NOS, Cyclin D1, TNF‑α, interleukins, MMP‑9), modulation of growth‑factor receptors and cell‑adhesion molecules—and its anti‑angiogenic properties. In vitro and in vivo studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) support curcumin’s role as a promising adjuvant that could potentially reduce morbidity associated with surgery, platinum‑based chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Despite advances in surgery, radiation and targeted agents such as cetuximab, HNSCC remains associated with high morbidity and poor long‑term survival. Curcumin’s multitargeted, low‑toxin profile makes it an attractive candidate to enhance existing therapies, reduce treatment‑related side effects, and improve patient quality of life. However, clinical validation is lacking.

Evidence level: Számítógépes vagy elméleti. Modellből vagy adatbányászatból származó jel.

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