Harnessing Sulforaphane Potential as a Chemosensitizing Agent: A Comprehensive Review

Simple Summary Recent oncological research highlights the promising role of naturally derived compounds in cancer prevention and treatment. Sulforaphane (SFN), a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, is a powerful chemosensitizer that increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and overcomes chemoresistance. When coupled with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, SFN regulates numerous signaling pathways, proteins and genes which results in synergistic inhibition of cancer progression. The therapeutic potential of SFN is ongoing, with particular emphasis on its chemosensitizing potential against various cancer types.Abstract Recent advances in oncological research have highlighted the potential of naturally derived compounds in cancer prevention and treatment. Notably, sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, has exhibited potent chemosensitizing capabilities across diverse cancer types of bone, brain, breast, lung, skin, etc. Chemosensitization refers to the enhancement of cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, counteracting the chemoresistance often developed by tumor cells. Mechanistically, SFN orchestrates this sensitization by modulating an array of cellular signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR, NF-kappa B, Wnt/beta-catenin), and regulating the expression and activity of pivotal genes, proteins, and enzymes (e.g., p53, p21, survivin, Bcl-2, caspases). When combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, SFN synergistically inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis while potentiating drug-induced apoptosis. This positions SFN as a potential adjunct in cancer therapy to augment the efficacy of standard treatments. Ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations aim to further delineate the therapeutic potential of SFN in oncology. This review illuminates the multifaceted role of this phytochemical, emphasizing its potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer agents, suggesting its prospective contributions to cancer chemosensitization and management.