Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) is a synthetic peptide derived from thymic tissue, recognized for its immunomodulatory properties. It enhances T-cell differentiation and function, augments natural killer (NK) cell activity, and modulates cytokine production. Clinically, Tα1 has been approved in over 30 countries for treating chronic hepatitis B and C, and has
This 2019 review examines the role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as an adjunct in cancer therapy. At pharmacological concentrations, vitamin C exhibits pro-oxidant properties, generating reactive oxygen species that selectively induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells. It also modulates epigenetic mechanisms by influencing DNA and histone demethylation, affecting gene expression
This 2011 study by Chen et al. investigates the anti-cancer effects of high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid (AA) and its interaction with intravenous glutathione (GSH) in preclinical cancer models. The research demonstrates that pharmacologic concentrations of AA induce cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines through the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂),
This 2007 review article explores the immunomodulatory properties of β-glucans, naturally occurring polysaccharides found in the cell walls of fungi, bacteria, and cereals. The authors discuss how β-glucans enhance host immune defense by activating the complement system and enhancing the function of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. The article
This review explores the immunomodulatory and potential anti-cancer effects of β-glucans, complex polysaccharides found in the cell walls of fungi, bacteria, and cereals. β-glucans interact with immune receptors such as Dectin-1, complement receptor 3 (CR3), and Toll-like receptors (TLR-2/6), activating immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells,
This 2022 review evaluates itraconazole, a triazole antifungal, as a repurposed anticancer agent. Itraconazole demonstrates anti-tumor activity by inhibiting angiogenesis and multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, notably the Hedgehog pathway. Preclinical studies show its efficacy in various solid and hematological malignancies. Clinical trials have reported benefits in prostate, lung, and basal
This large-scale observational study evaluated the safety of intravenous mistletoe preparations (Helixor, Abnoba viscum, Iscador) in 475 oncology patients. Over 4,500 infusions were analyzed. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 4.6% of patients, with 59.4% of these being mild and 40.6% moderate; no severe ADRs were observed. ADRs occurred
This 2020 review article explores the growing body of evidence supporting the use of statins in both cancer prevention and treatment. Statins, through inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, exhibit antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory effects in multiple cancer types such as breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Their
This 2019 experimental study investigates how inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway impedes colon cancer progression. The findings reveal that mTOR inhibition leads to the dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1, resulting in suppressed activity of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). This suppression upregulates the expression of PUMA (p53
This 2019 review explores melatonin’s multifaceted role in cancer prevention and therapy. Melatonin acts as a potent antioxidant, directly scavenging free radicals and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. It regulates mitochondrial function and inhibits pro-oxidant enzymes, contributing to the maintenance of genomic stability. Melatonin also
