Review Article
Unraveling the Dual Role of Voriconazole as an Antifungal Agent and Precursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
21-30
Received:
1 June 2024
Accepted:
14 June 2024
Published:
26 June 2024
Abstract: Voriconazole, a potent triazole antifungal medication, is extensively used to treat serious fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Despite its efficacy, recent findings suggest a potential link between long-term voriconazole therapy and the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This review examines the dual role of voriconazole, emphasizing both its therapeutic benefits and carcinogenic risks. The pharmacodynamics of voriconazole involve the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, crucial to fungal cell integrity. However, its metabolites, such as voriconazole-N-oxide, have been implicated in phototoxic reactions that lead to DNA damage and tumor formation. This is particularly significant in patients with prolonged drug exposure, such as organ transplant recipients, where increased SCC incidence has been observed. Clinical evidence and molecular studies suggest that voriconazole may disrupt key cellular pathways like the Hedgehog pathway, affecting epidermal differentiation and increasing cancer risk. Given these concerns, the necessity for careful therapeutic monitoring and patient education about potential risks is discussed. Alternative antifungal therapies and protective measures against phototoxic effects are also recommended as strategies to mitigate SCC risk. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms of voriconazole-induced carcinogenesis and refining patient management protocols. This review highlights the need for a balanced approach to voriconazole therapy, weighing its antifungal benefits against the risks of adverse dermatological outcomes.
Abstract: Voriconazole, a potent triazole antifungal medication, is extensively used to treat serious fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Despite its efficacy, recent findings suggest a potential link between long-term voriconazole therapy and the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This review examines the dual role of voriconazole, e...
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Research Article
Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Rutin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Niragh Sikdar*,
Shree Rath
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
31-41
Received:
9 March 2024
Accepted:
9 April 2024
Published:
29 June 2024
Abstract: Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It causes millions of deaths each year and remaining a significant global health concern for both men and women. Effective treatment strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes in breast cancer, particularly in the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Chemotherapy, like paclitaxel and docetaxel, is the standard treatment for TNBC due to the lack of targeted therapies for this subtype. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic medication that is particularly effective against lung, ovarian, and other cancers; nevertheless, its clinical use is limited due to its multi-organ toxicity. As a result, the current study aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce PTX-induced toxicity through the concurrent use of the natural polyphenolic substance Rutin. Rutin hydrate (purity > 94%) and paclitaxel were utilized in in vitro studies with 4T1 and MDA MB-231 cell lines. In the proliferation assay, cells were treated with rutin and paclitaxel at varying concentrations. Cytochrome-c release and cell cycle analysis were conducted, and flow cytometry assessed apoptosis. According to the findings of this investigation, rutin in combination with PTX considerably (P<0.05) lowers the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, flow cytometry research revealed that combining rutin with PTX triggered GO/Gl cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a breast cancer cell line. Furthermore, after co-administration of rutin and PTX, mitochondrial depolarization increased significantly (P<0.05). Thus, the current study convincingly established rutin’s sensitizing activity and suggests it could be a potential adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy.
Abstract: Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It causes millions of deaths each year and remaining a significant global health concern for both men and women. Effective treatment strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes in breast cancer, particularly in the case...
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,
Kelly Frasier
