Angiogenesis as a potential target of pharmaconutrients in cancer therapy

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to provide insight into tumor angiogenesis inhibition by pharmaconutrients through description of the most relevant and recent findings in cancer research.

Recent findings: Cancer growth needs oxygen and nutrients supplied through blood vessels to the tumor site. New vessel formation named angiogenesis can be prevented to avoid cancer invasion. Epidemiological studies suggested that specific food intakes could decrease incidence of many cancers. Recently, scientists were interested in the potential antitumor effects of nutrients because of their safety and general acceptance. Many excellent publications demonstrated that a large class of natural compounds including pharmaconutrients exhibits antitumoral activities in selected cancer types. This review focuses on the antiangiogenic role of natural products in cancer treatment, used alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy.

Summary: There is strong evidence that natural diets influence cancer development by modulating signaling pathways. Our goal is to highlight the specific impact of specific nutrients in the modulation of vascular network leading to tumor angiogenesis inhibition.