Photochemoprevention of cutaneous neoplasia through natural products

Exp Oncol. 2009 Mar;31(1):9-15.

Abstract

Non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are the most common types of human tumors, representing 30% of the new cases of malignancies diagnosed each year. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is a major cause of non-melanoma skin cancer in humans. The prevention and mainly the photochemoprevention with natural products represent a simple but very effective strategy in the management of cutaneous neoplasia. Here we review the progress in the research of new and existing agents developed to protect the skin exposed to UV. We also discuss the current state of knowledge on their photosuppression mechanism in humans as well as in animal models, and efficiency in cancer prevention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / metabolism
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cat's Claw*
  • Flavonoids / metabolism
  • Flavonoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Phenols / metabolism
  • Phenols / therapeutic use*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Polyphenols
  • Polypodium*
  • Silybin
  • Silymarin / therapeutic use
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenols
  • Plant Preparations
  • Polyphenols
  • Silymarin
  • Silybin