Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent extensively applied in the field of
cancer therapy. However, similar to other chemotherapeutic agents such as
cisplatin,
paclitaxel,
docetaxel,
etoposide and
oxaliplatin,
cancer cells are able to obtain chemoresistance that limits DOX efficacy. In respect to dose-dependent side effect of DOX, enhancing its dosage is not recommended for effective
cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, different strategies have been considered for reversing DOX resistance and diminishing its side effects.
Phytochemical are potential candidates in this case due to their great pharmacological activities.
Curcumin is a potential antitumor
phytochemical isolated from Curcuma longa with capacity of suppressing
cancer metastasis and proliferation and affecting molecular pathways. Experiments have demonstrated the potential of
curcumin for inhibiting chemoresistance by downregulating oncogene pathways such as MMP-2, TGF-β, EMT, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and
AP-1. Furthermore, coadministration of
curcumin and DOX potentiates apoptosis induction in
cancer cells. In light of this, nanoplatforms have been employed for codelivery of
curcumin and DOX. This results in promoting the bioavailability and internalization of the aforementioned active compounds in
cancer cells and, consequently, enhancing their antitumor activity. Noteworthy,
curcumin has been applied for reducing adverse effects of DOX on normal cells and tissues via reducing
inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The current review highlights the anticancer mechanism, side effects and codelivery of
curcumin and DOX via nanovehicles.