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Cancer research

Curcumin Shows Potential in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy

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— 1 min read

Researchers at Gerash University of Medical Sciences have conducted a systematic review of 26 studies on curcumin's molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The findings suggest that curcumin, a bioactive compound from Curcuma longa, can modulate multiple signaling pathways, leading to enhanced apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation, and immune system modulation. While the preclinical results are promising, further well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate its efficacy and optimize formulation strategies for patient use.

Key Takeaways:

  • Curcumin has been found to modulate multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK2/STAT3, MAPK, and Wnt/b-catenin, leading to enhanced apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation.
  • The compound was found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as the ability to reverse drug resistance and promote ferroptosis through ACSL4 upregulation.
  • Nanoformulated curcumin, delivered via liposomes, micelles, bilosomes, and other carriers, demonstrated improved bioavailability, stability, and tumor-targeting capacity, enhancing therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models.
  • However, the translation of these promising preclinical effects into clinical practice remains limited, with only a single human study available.
  • The researchers conclude that curcumin shows potential as a supportive or adjunctive agent in HCC therapy, but further well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate its efficacy.
  • The study was funded by Gerash University of Medical Sciences, and the researchers acknowledge the need for additional research to optimize formulation strategies for patient use.
  • The research was published in the journal Cancer Cell International, with a free version available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-025-03988-4.

Statistics:

  • 26 studies were included in the systematic review on curcumin's molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in treating HCC.
  • The studies were published between 2020 and 2025.
  • 5 different signaling pathways were found to be modulated by curcumin: PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK2/STAT3, MAPK, and Wnt/b-catenin.
  • 3 different types of nanoformulations were used to deliver curcumin: liposomes, micelles, and bilosomes.

Sources:

  • Molecular targets and therapeutic implications of curcumin in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive literature review. Cancer Cell International, 2025, 25(1):1-33.
  • Cancer Cell International (http://www.cancerci.com/).
  • Gerash University of Medical Sciences.
  • BMC (publisher of Cancer Cell International).
  • https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-025-03988-4.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Gerash University of Medical Sciences Publish Research in Cancer Gene Therapy (Molecular targets and therapeutic implications of curcumin in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive literature review). Clinical Trials Week. October 20, 2025; p 84.

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