Nutrient restriction in combinatory therapy of tumors

Abstract

The main objective of anticancer treatment is the elimination of degenerated cells by the induction of programmed cell death. Various chemotherapy drugs and radiation are able to activate cell death mechanisms in tumors. However, unfortunately, monotherapy will always be insufficiently effective because of the variety and virulence of tumors, as well as their ability to develop resistance to drugs. Moreover, monotherapy might constrain many negative side effects. Therefore, the combination of different approaches and/or drugs will increase the efficiency of treatment. One such promising approach is the combination of nutrient restriction (NR) and various chemotherapeutic drugs. This approach may not only affect the autophagy but also influence apoptotic cell death. This review is focused on the potential of NR use in anticancer therapy, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this approach.