Functional activities of beta-glucans in the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer

TL;DR — Key Findings

β-glucans have multiple anti-cancer activities: immune killing, anti-proliferative effects, and TME modulation.
Evidence for β-glucan anti-cancer activity is strongest for colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers.
AP-glucan research in oncology would build on strong mechanistic foundations from this β-glucan evidence base.

Abstract

AbstractCervical cancer is the fourth-ranked cancer in the world and is associated with a large number of deaths annually. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are known as the common therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cervical cancer, but because of their side effects and toxicity, researchers are trying to discovery alternative therapies. Beta-glucans, a group of glucose polymers that are derived from the cell wall of fungi, bacteria, and etc. it has been showed that beta-glucans have some anti-cancer properties which due to their impacts on adaptive and innate immunity. Along to these impacts, these molecules could be used as drug carriers. In this regard, the application of beta-glucans is a promising therapeutic option for the cancer prevention and treatment especially for cervical cancer. Herein, we have summarized the therapeutic potential of beta-glucans alone or as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer. Moreover, we highlighted beta-glucans as drug carriers for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Summary

Background

This 2018 review examined the functional activities of β-glucans specifically in the context of cancer prevention and treatment, synthesizing evidence from multiple β-glucan sources and cancer types.

Key Findings

β-glucans demonstrate multiple anti-cancer functional activities: immune-mediated tumor killing, direct anti-proliferative effects, enhancement of cancer drug efficacy, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. The review identified specific cancer types where β-glucan evidence is strongest, including colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers.

Relevance to Aureobasidium Beta Glucan Research

This cancer-focused review strengthens the evidence base for beta glucan as an oncology support agent. Research specifically examining Aureobasidium pullulans β-glucan in cancer models would contribute important data to this established field, building on the strong mechanistic foundation.

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Citation

Chaichian, Shahla; Moazzami, Bahram; Sadoughi, Fatemeh; Haddad Kashani, Hamed; Zaroudi, Marsa; Asemi, Zatollah. Functional activities of beta-glucans in the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer. Journal of Ovarian Research. 2020. DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00626-7.

Study Details

Study Type

Review

Published

2020

Journal

Journal of Ovarian Research

Authors

Chaichian, Shahla; Moazzami, Bahram; Sadoughi, Fatemeh; Haddad Kashani, Hamed; Zaroudi, Marsa; Asemi, Zatollah

DOI

10.1186/s13048-020-00626-7

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