Unraveling the potential of curcumin-based nanoformulations: Advancing against multidrug resistance in lung cancer

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa L., is treasured for its antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antitoxic, and anticancer properties. Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, displays significant therapeutic potential due to its hydrophobic polyphenol structure and ability to exhibit keto-enol tautomerism. However, its low water solubility and bioavailability present challenges in clinical applications. Lung cancer, a prevalent and aggressive form of cancer, is primarily addressed through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. Although targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been recently introduced, the survival rate remains low due to toxicity, drug resistance, and late detection. Multidrug resistance (MDR) further complicates treatment by allowing cancer cells to resist the effects of chemotherapeutic agents through various mechanisms, such as overexpression of drug efflux pumps and alterations in cellular signaling pathways. Curcumin has demonstrated potential in overcoming MDR in lung cancer by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell invasion, and regulating epigenetic modifications and microRNA expression. Nanoformulations of curcumin improve its solubility and bioavailability, showing effectiveness against cancer cell lines. This chapter delves into innovative therapeutic approaches using curcumin to combat MDR in lung cancer. It essentially focuses on nanoformulation strategies and their potential to alter the tumor microenvironment, ultimately seeking to enhance patient outcomes and survival rates despite the challenges posed by MDR.