Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Glioblastoma Treatment: Targeting Major Gliomagenesis Signaling Pathways

Biomed Res Int. 2018 Jan 31:2018:4010629. doi: 10.1155/2018/4010629. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most devastating brain tumors with median survival of one year and presents unique challenges to therapy because of its aggressive behavior. Current treatment strategy involves surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy even though optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of potential complications from both the disease and its treatment. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa L., has exhibited anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteract carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells towards conventional cancer treatments and minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. Its potential to enter brain via nasal pathway due to volatile nature of TQ adds another advantage in overcoming blood-brain barrier. In this review, we summarized the potential role of TQ in different signaling pathways in GBM that have undergone treatment with standard therapeutic modalities or with TQ. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical level to delineate its implied utility as novel therapeutics to combat the challenges for the treatment of GBM.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Benzoquinones / chemistry
  • Benzoquinones / pharmacokinetics*
  • Benzoquinones / therapeutic use*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Brain Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Glioblastoma* / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma* / metabolism
  • Glioblastoma* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Nigella sativa / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Benzoquinones
  • thymoquinone