Biochemical and immunological studies of combinations of plant-derived and chemotherapeutic compounds in anti-cancer therapy

Armenia has one of the highest rates of deaths caused by cancer. This fact call for serious attention. Despite the current advances and achievements in systems biology and translational research, the current strategies for cancer therapy, such as radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, remain unsatisfactory due to tumour metastasis or recurrence after surgery/therapy, drug resistance, and adverse side effects. A more profound knowledge of herbal medicine may uncover new leads for anti-cancer drugs. Modulation of biochemical and immune functions using medicinal plants and their products in combination with chemotherapeutic agents has recently become an accepted therapeutic approach. We hypothesize that phytoextracts, either single or in combination with chemotherapy compounds, may effectively modulate the immune system, cause tumour apoptosis and increase the production of antioxidant proteins. This therapeutic approach can lead to inhibition of tumour proliferation and growth, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and progression of metastasis. As a result, we expect to carefully select a promising combination of plant and drug that will exhibit a significant anti-cancer activity, which may potentially have a practical use in cancer treatment.