Natural products and derivatives in renal, urothelial and testicular cancers: Targeting signaling pathways and therapeutic potential

Abstract

Background: Natural products have demonstrated significant potential in cancer drug discovery, particularly in renal cancer (RCa), urothelial carcinoma (UC), and testicular cancer (TC).

Purpose: This review aims to examine the effects of natural products on RCa, UC and TC.

Study design: systematic review METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science databases were retrieved to search studies about the effects of natural products and derivatives on these cancers. Relevant publications in the reference list of enrolled studies were also checked.

Results: This review highlighted their diverse impacts on key aspects such as cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis, therapy response, and the immune microenvironment. Natural products not only hold promise for novel drug development but also enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Importantly, we exert their effects through modulation of critical pathways and target genes, including the PI3K/AKT pathway, NF-κB pathway, STAT pathway and MAPK pathway, among others in RCa, UC, and TC.

Conclusion: These mechanistic insights provide valuable guidance for researchers, facilitating the selection of promising natural products for cancer management and offering potential avenues for further gene regulation studies in the context of cancer treatment.

Keywords: Natural products; Renal cancer; Signal pathways; Testicular cancer; Urothelial carcinoma.