Targeted Transdermal Delivery of Curcumin for Breast Cancer Prevention.

Josh Neman,Michele Atlan

doi:10.3390/ijerph16244949

Abstract

N.B. This manuscript is based on the research concept submitted to the “Global Challenge to Prevent Breast Cancer” idea showcase and competition, launched in 2018 by the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), which was subsequently selected for publication. The hypothesis, methods, and discussion put forth here are thus proposed concept studies, which could eventually be elucidated in the future. Curcumin is an herbal supplement, shown in preclinical studies to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral properties that we believe can be harnessed for breast cancer prevention. However, due to its poor absorption when consumed orally, curcumin’s anticancer effects have not yet been exploited to their full therapeutic potential. Incorporating existing research that focuses on the optimization of curcumin’s bioavailability and the latest transdermal delivery technology, we propose, below, a hypothetical in vivo study to test whether a targeted daily dose of bioavailable curcumin has a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, potentially reducing the incidence of breast cancer over time. Our ultimate objective is to adopt innovative methods to create curcumin-infused bio-textiles offering transdermal, targeted drug delivery, simply through contact with the skin. We would use this fabric to create disposable bra inserts for an effortless, daily breast cancer prevention regimen for healthy women. It would be essential that the cost of these inserts remain reasonable, but if successful, curcumin is readily available, affordable and non-toxic, and could thus be a preventive measure that would be beneficial for women from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Highlights

One out of eight women in the United States will contract some form of breast cancer in her lifetime [1]
We predict observing a delay to progression of tumorigenesis, as well as a reduction in the numbers and size of tumor growth in the topical curcumin experimental arm compared to control for both the transgenic and xenograft in vivo studies
Though curcumin has been proposed to affect a variety of tumorigenic cellular processes and signaling pathways, we would focus on measuring the levels of NFκB and TNF-α to see if their anticipated reduction is associated with a reduction in proliferation and an increase in apoptosis of tumor cells

Summary

Introduction

One out of eight women in the United States will contract some form of breast cancer in her lifetime [1]. Research, and treatment, breast cancer incidence continues to rise, and breast cancer mortality rates remain far too high—especially among non-white women. To eventually eliminate deaths from breast cancer, focusing on preventive measures is crucial; today, primary prevention of breast cancer constitutes less than 10% of the research being funded [2]. Preventive initiatives taken by healthy women must be non-toxic and inexpensive, and practical and easy to comply with. In 2018, the California Breast Cancer Research Program launched a Global Challenge competition and asked both researchers and advocates to submit bold, out-of-the-box research ideas for preventing breast cancer. As a finalist in the advocate category, we were invited to write up and expand on

Methods

Results

Conclusion