The significant role of glycosides in Leukemia: Mechanistic and Clinical prospects

Abstract

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and bone marrow. It is a heterogeneous disorder with two main types: acute and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is more aggressive and severe in children, whereas chronic leukemia mainly affects adults and is comparatively less aggressive. If left untreated, both types can lead to serious illness and even death. Although there are treatment options available such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and the popular CART therapy, leukemia remains a challenging disease worldwide. These existing strategies have limitations, including frequent relapses and toxicity, which highlights the need to explore alternative therapeutic approaches. Glycosides, which are secondary metabolites found in plants, show promise as potential solutions. These substances have a wide range of therapeutic applications, high bioavailability, and low toxicity. They can be used to treat various diseases, both communicable and non-communicable, making them an intriguing class of drugs. However, further research is necessary to uncover their potential value in treating cancer, particularly leukemia. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and utilization of different glycosides in the treatment of leukemia, while considering the current limitations of existing therapies.