Abstract
Research investigating milk-derived proteins has brought to light the potential for their use as novel anticancer agents. This paper aims to systematically review studies examining the effectiveness of milk-derived proteins in the treatment of head and neck cancer. A systematic literature search of Medline, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Web of Science databases including papers published from all dates was completed. Inter-rater reliability was high during the title, abstract, and full-text screening phases. Inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and data extraction were based on the PICOS tool and research questions. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria. Eligible in vitro and in vivo studies (n = 8/658) evaluated lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, and its complexes, such as HAMLET, BAMLET and lactalbumin-oleic acid complexes, as well as lactoperoxidase, whey, and casein. Their effectiveness in the treatment of head and neck cancer cells lines found that these compounds can inhibit tumour growth modulate cancer gene expression, and have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms by which these effects are achieved are not well understood. Systematically designed, large, optimally controlled, collaborative studies, both in vitro and in vivo, will be required to gain a better understanding of their potential role in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Highlights
Head and neck cancer is an umbrella term that collectively describes cancers in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, salivary glands, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx
A common finding through the available studies is that milk-derived proteins alone do not induce cytotoxic effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) cells, when complexed with an active component, they have the ability to synergistically and selectively target cancerous cells
Several studies demonstrated that both BAMLET/human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells (HAMLET) and LA-oleic acid (OA) complexes possess similar cytotoxicity against HNSCC cells [24–26]
Summary
Head and neck cancer is an umbrella term that collectively describes cancers in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, salivary glands, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx. They account for more than 650,000 cancer cases and 330,000 deaths each year [1]. The most common head and neck cancer cell types are squamous cell carcinomas, which originate from the outermost layers of the mucosa. There is a persistent 19–59% 10-year survival rate for head and neck cancers [3]. The main treatments currently available for OSCC include surgery, radiation therapy, medications, or a combination of the three. Cancer research is constantly looking for safer and more effective treatment options
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