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Multi-Target Antitumor Effects of Natural Products and Approved Drug Repurposing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Advances in Mechanisms, Combination Regimens, Delivery System Optimization, and Clinical Challenges

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. The effectiveness of treatment is limited by several factors, including significant tumoral heterogeneity, rapid development of drug resistance, high metastatic potential, and a complex tumor microenvironment. In recent years, natural products have emerged as valuable resources for the discovery of novel antitumor strategies against non-small cell lung cancer. These compounds possess diverse chemical properties, target multiple pathways, are abundant in nature, and exhibit relatively low toxicity. The utilization of existing medications with established pharmacokinetic profiles and safety records, combined with shorter development timelines, shows promise for advancing lung cancer treatment research. A growing body of evidence indicates that both naturally occurring compounds and commercially available drugs exert effects that extend beyond traditional cytotoxic mechanisms. These agents influence processes such as ferroptosis, oxidative stress, metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor immune microenvironments, and epigenetic networks, suggesting that their activities can be leveraged for a robust multi-target antitumor strategy. Accordingly, this review summarizes research advances on natural products and repurposed marketed drugs for non-small cell lung cancer; outlines their potential for combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy; and discusses future directions for clinical translation.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms27177908

Authors: Yuli Xie, Dashuai Zhang, Pei Tang

Institution: Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Lung Cancer Treatments and Mutations

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499