Therapeutic potential of ecdysteroids and steroidal alkaloids on solid cancers

Abstract

Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally. Common modalities of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and lately immunotherapy. Different steroidal agents have also been identified as therapeutics for solid cancers, often as part of chemotherapy regimens. This review will specifically focus on steroidal alkaloids and ecdysteroids, which are different types of steroids originating from plants and arthropods respectively. These have been proven to show anti-cancer effects through several methods, including inhibition of proliferation and increasing apoptosis in cancer cells. Synthetic steroids are also used as chemotherapy adjuvants. By increasing our knowledge and understanding of these compounds, further studies can be carried out which may lead to clinical trials. This may enable a potential alternative to current therapies used as cancer treatment today, and may help improve the standard of care.