Curcumin as Adjunct Therapy for Breast Cancer: Promise, Challenges, and Future Directions

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women globally, with over ۲.۳ million new cases annually. While targeted therapies and precision medicine have advanced treatment, significant challenges persist, particularly for triple-negative and chemotherapy-resistant subtypes. Curcumin (from Curcuma longa) demonstrates unique multi-target anticancer properties, though its clinical application has historically been limited by poor oral bioavailability (typically <۱%). Nanotechnological formulations have successfully enhanced curcumin bioavailability by up to ۱۸۵-fold, achieving clinically relevant serum concentrations. Phase I/II trials demonstrate an outstanding safety profile, with doses up to ۱۲,۰۰۰ mg/day exhibiting no dose-limiting toxicities. Current evidence strongly supports curcumin's role as an adjunctive therapy, showing: (i) synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapeutics, and (ii) significant prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis (p<۰.۰۵ vs placebo). Through next-generation analogs and biomarker-driven patient stratification, curcumin is poised to transform breast cancer treatment paradigms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Curcumin ، Breast cancer ، Adjunct therapy ، Bioavailability ، Nanotechnology