Summary
This comprehensive narrative review examines the role of dietary phytochemicals in cancer prevention, focusing on their bioactive mechanisms across interconnected molecular pathways including apoptosis, epigenetic regulation, angiogenesis inhibition, and Wnt signalling. The authors synthesise evidence on ten key phytochemicals (vitamin D, vitamin E, lycopene, fisetin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, crocetin, curcumin, cyanidins, and gingerol) and propose that these plant-derived compounds warrant further investigation as adjuvant approaches to enhance existing anticancer therapies.
Regional applicability
The review is mechanistic and global in scope, drawing on molecular evidence rather than regional agricultural or dietary practice. Its findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom nutritional guidance and clinical practice, though further translational research in UK populations would be needed to establish efficacy and optimal dietary intakes.
Key measures
Molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression; mechanism of action of dietary phytochemicals; therapeutic potential of specific bioactive compounds
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises current knowledge on dietary phytochemicals' roles in tumour prevention, detailing their mechanisms of action across multiple molecular pathways (apoptosis, cyclooxygenase-2, DNA methylation, Hedgehog signalling, Wnt pathway, and tumour angiogenesis inhibition). It identifies specific phytochemicals—vitamin D, vitamin E, lycopene, fisetin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, crocetin, curcumin, cyanidins, and gingerol—as candidates with potential therapeutic applications.
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