The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review
Background: Heparin and heparin-like molecules have shown some promise in the treatment of several cancers. These molecules have roles in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, immune system modulation, cell migration, and cellular invasion. The pathways and mechanisms used by these molecules to inhibit...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2020-01-01
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| Series: | Cancer Treatment and Research Communications |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468294220300290 |
| _version_ | 1819009544107327488 |
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| author | Johnny Atallah Hussein H. Khachfe Juliett Berro Hazem I. Assi |
| author_facet | Johnny Atallah Hussein H. Khachfe Juliett Berro Hazem I. Assi |
| author_sort | Johnny Atallah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Heparin and heparin-like molecules have shown some promise in the treatment of several cancers. These molecules have roles in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, immune system modulation, cell migration, and cellular invasion. The pathways and mechanisms used by these molecules to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells aid in understanding the utilization of these molecules in potential treatments. Our aim is to review the use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment, explore the results, and discuss their potential downfalls. Methods: Publications on heparin and heparin-like molecules and compounds were collected from the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Boolean operators and MeSH terms related to heparin, heparin-like molecules, and cancer were used to conduct this search. The articles were reviewed by the authors. Results: Several heparin mimetics are showing promise in cancer treatment. Various studies using mimetics alone or in combination with chemotherapy have been conducted and have yielded mixed results. They work on multiple target molecules, mostly receptors such as fibroblast growth factor and endothelial growth factor. The main types of cancers targeted by these drugs are multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and other solid tumors. Conclusion: Although limited clinical evidence of efficacy and potential pitfalls are present, heparin and heparin-like molecules have shown potential in the management of cancer patients. Additional research is required to fully understand the biological mechanisms utilized by these molecules in cancer treatment. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T00:58:03Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3df92ab58e0842179346cb44ace37e6c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2468-2942 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T00:58:03Z |
| publishDate | 2020-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cancer Treatment and Research Communications |
| spelling | doaj.art-3df92ab58e0842179346cb44ace37e6c2022-12-21T19:21:15ZengElsevierCancer Treatment and Research Communications2468-29422020-01-0124100192The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a reviewJohnny Atallah0Hussein H. Khachfe1Juliett Berro2Hazem I. Assi3Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LebanonFaculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LebanonDepartment of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, LebanonDepartment of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Corresponding author at: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El Solh 1107 2020, Beirut, LebanonBackground: Heparin and heparin-like molecules have shown some promise in the treatment of several cancers. These molecules have roles in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, immune system modulation, cell migration, and cellular invasion. The pathways and mechanisms used by these molecules to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells aid in understanding the utilization of these molecules in potential treatments. Our aim is to review the use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment, explore the results, and discuss their potential downfalls. Methods: Publications on heparin and heparin-like molecules and compounds were collected from the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Boolean operators and MeSH terms related to heparin, heparin-like molecules, and cancer were used to conduct this search. The articles were reviewed by the authors. Results: Several heparin mimetics are showing promise in cancer treatment. Various studies using mimetics alone or in combination with chemotherapy have been conducted and have yielded mixed results. They work on multiple target molecules, mostly receptors such as fibroblast growth factor and endothelial growth factor. The main types of cancers targeted by these drugs are multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and other solid tumors. Conclusion: Although limited clinical evidence of efficacy and potential pitfalls are present, heparin and heparin-like molecules have shown potential in the management of cancer patients. Additional research is required to fully understand the biological mechanisms utilized by these molecules in cancer treatment.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468294220300290HeparinHeparin sulfateHeparin likeOncologyTreatment |
| spellingShingle | Johnny Atallah Hussein H. Khachfe Juliett Berro Hazem I. Assi The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review Cancer Treatment and Research Communications Heparin Heparin sulfate Heparin like Oncology Treatment |
| title | The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review |
| title_full | The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review |
| title_fullStr | The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review |
| title_short | The use of heparin and heparin-like molecules in cancer treatment: a review |
| title_sort | use of heparin and heparin like molecules in cancer treatment a review |
| topic | Heparin Heparin sulfate Heparin like Oncology Treatment |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468294220300290 |
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