The Use of Isoflavones as Lung Cancer Chemoprevention Agents and their Implications in Treatment through Radio Sensitization.

Epidemiological trends in cancer research show that lung cancer can affect up to 1 in 15 men and 1 in 17 women. With incidence rates as high as these and significant associated mortality and morbidity, it is no wonder that lung cancer is one of the main areas of research focused on cancer. Advances in targeted treatments and specialized irradiation protocols have allowed the treatment of more advanced cases. However, as the patient numbers grow, so does the need for cancer-preventive strategies. The present narrative review focuses on soy isoflavones' role in the chemoprevention of lung cancer and their possible role in therapeutic adjuncts. Laboratory studies on lung cancer cell lines have shown that isoflavones can induce apoptosis, tamper with the expression of proliferative molecular pathways, and even reduce tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, population-level studies have emerged that correlate the consumption of isoflavonoids with reduced risk for the development of lung cancer. Interestingly enough, the literature also contains small-scale studies with evidence of isoflavones being effective chemotherapeutic adjuncts that are currently understudied. Our literature review underlines such findings and provides a call for the enhancement of research regarding naturally occurring dietary products with possible anticarcinogenic effects.

The Association Between the Risk of Breast Cancer and Epigallocatechin- 3-Gallate Intake: A Literature Review of a Potential Chemopreventive Agent.

According to the latest epidemiological data, breast cancer has recently been the most frequently diagnosed malignancy. To date, a body of evidence has established the involvement of multiple - and frequently interrelated - genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of the disease. Emerging research on cancer prevention has highlighted the deterrence potential of interventions targeting environmental risk factors, particularly diet. In this aspect, the current review reveals the latest scientific results regarding epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) - a catechin most commonly found in green tea, as a potential chemopreventive dietary agent against breast cancer. in vitro studies on EGCG have demonstrated its effect on cell cycle progression and its potential to suppress several intracellular signaling pathways involved in breast cancer pathogenesis. In addition, EGCG possesses specific apoptosis-inducing characteristics that seem to enhance its role as a regulator of cell survival. Preclinical data seem to support using EGCG as an effective adjunct to EGFR-targeting treatments. The authors' appraisal of the literature suggests that although preclinical evidence has documented the anticarcinogenic features of EGCG, limited large-scale epidemiological studies are investigating the consumption of EGCG - containing nutrients in the prevention and management of breast cancer risk. This literature review aims to liaise between preclinical and epidemiological research, surveying the existing evidence and unraveling relevant knowledge gaps.