Review article

A review on the effects of current chemotherapy drugs and natural agents in treating non–small cell lung cancer

¹ Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
² Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
³ Department of Biological Science and Technology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
⁴ Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
⁵ Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Armed Forces Taichung General Hospital, Taichung 406, Taiwan
⁶ Department of Chemistry, Nizam College, Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500001, India
⁷ Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, 700000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

^* Corresponding author. Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, 700000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. E-mail: bharath.kumar.velmurugan@tdt.edu.vn

Received: 28 August 2017
Accepted: 20 September 2017

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and this makes it an attractive disease to review and possibly improve therapeutic treatment options. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and immunotherapy separate or in combination are commonly used to treat lung cancer. However, these treatment types may cause different side effects, and chemotherapy-based regimens appear to have reached a therapeutic plateau. Hence, effective, better-tolerated treatments are needed to address and hopefully overcome this conundrum. Recent advances have enabled biologists to better investigate the potential use of natural compounds for the treatment or control of various cancerous diseases. For the past 30 years, natural compounds have been the pillar of chemotherapy. However, only a few compounds have been tested in cancerous patients and only partial evidence is available regarding their clinical effectiveness. Herein, we review the research on using current chemotherapy drugs and natural compounds (Wortmannin and Roscovitine, Cordyceps militaris, Resveratrol, OSU03013, Myricetin, Berberine, Antroquinonol) and the beneficial effects they have on various types of cancers including non-small cell lung cancer. Based on this literature review, we propose the use of these compounds along with chemotherapy drugs in patients with advanced and/or refractory solid tumours.