The role of functional foods in cancer therapy: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating novel and integrative therapeutic strategies. Functional foods, defined as foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have emerged as promising adjuncts in cancer prevention and therapy. This review critically examines the current understanding of the bioactive compounds present in functional foods and their mechanistic roles in modulating key cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, including apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Key molecular targets such as NF-κB, PI۳K/Akt, MAPK, and p۵۳ are explored in the context of dietary modulation. The synergistic effects of functional foods with conventional treatments—chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies—are discussed, highlighting their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Furthermore, the gut microbiota is presented as a pivotal mediator in the metabolism and bioavailability of dietary compounds, influencing immune responses and treatment outcomes. Clinical evidence from human trials is summarized, emphasizing both the promise and the limitations of current translational research, such as small sample sizes, variability in dietary interventions, and lack of standardization. Collectively, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of functional foods in integrative cancer care while identifying critical gaps that must be addressed through rigorous, long-term clinical studies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Functional foods ، cancer therapy ، bioactive compounds ، signaling pathways ، gut microbiota