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There is a wide variety of cancer types yet, all share some common cellular and molecular behaviors. Most of the chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment are designed to target common deregulated mechanisms within cancer cells. Many healthy tissues are also affected by the cytotoxic effects of these chemical agents. Fucoidan, a natural component of brown seaweed, has anti-cancer activity against various cancer types by targeting key apoptotic molecules. It also has beneficial effects as it can protect against toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. Thus the synergistic effect of fucoidan with current anti-cancer agents is of considerable interest. This review discusses the mechanisms by which fucoidan retards tumor development, eradicates tumor cells and synergizes with anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Challenges to the development of fucoidan as an anti-cancer agent will also be discussed.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	fucoidan, cancer, apoptosis, synergy
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Oncology and carcinogenesis
Research Field:	Oncology and carcinogenesis not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Clinical health not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Atashrazm, F (Miss Farzaneh Atashrazm)
UTAS Author:	Lowenthal, RM (Professor Ray Lowenthal)
UTAS Author:	Woods, GM (Professor Gregory Woods)
UTAS Author:	Holloway, AF (Professor Adele Holloway)
UTAS Author:	Dickinson, JL (Professor Joanne Dickinson)
ID Code:	99980
Year Published:	2015
Web of Science® Times Cited:	140
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2015-04-22
Last Modified:	2017-11-02
Downloads:	550 View Download Statistics