Innovative Strategies for the Optimization of Phytochemicals as Next-Generation Chemotherapeutics

Despite significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains a major cause of mortality worldwide due to its heterogeneity, aggressiveness, and resistance to existing therapies. In recent decades, extensive research has focused on natural compounds derived from plants, named phytochemicals, as a promising source of chemotherapeutics with numerous advantages over conventional treatments, including structural diversity, multi-target potential and low toxicity. However, their clinical translation is frequently hindered by several limitations, such as poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism and limited tumor specificity, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. To address these challenges, a variety of innovative strategies have been developed as future avenues for enhancing cancer therapy, ranging from targeted nano-scaled delivery systems and structural modifications to combinatorial treatments with other chemotherapeutics.

This Research Topic aims to advance the application of safe and more effective phytochemical-based cancer treatments by compiling the most recent progresses in the optimization of plant-derived products through innovative strategies such as encapsulation in nanocarriers, structural derivatization or synergistic combinations with other antitumor agents.

In the pursuit of innovative antitumor treatments comprising phytochemicals, we invite articles that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Innovative nanoformulations and delivery systems to enhance the tumor targeting and anticancer efficacy of phytochemicals.

• Structural optimization and chemical modification of phytochemicals to improve their stability, bioavailability and therapeutic potential.

• Synergistic combination strategies integrating phytochemicals with conventional chemotherapeutics for enhanced anticancer outcomes.

• In-depth evaluation of safety and efficacy of phytochemical-based antitumor therapies.

This Research Topic invites the submission of Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Systematic Reviews that make substantial contributions to the development of innovative cancer treatments based on plant-derived products.

For manuscripts that focus on natural compounds, please utilize the ConPhyMP tool and ensure compliance with the standards outlined in the ConPhyMP statement (Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205). Additionally, compliance with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology is mandatory. You can freely download the full version here. A comprehensive description of the studied material, including its identified source, extraction and processing methods, and clear composition, is essential.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Phytochemicals, Nanodelivery Systems, Structural Modification, Synergistic Combination Therapies, Enhanced Antitumor Properties

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.