Simple Summary
Cervical cancer treatment is often complicated by drug resistance, which limits the success of chemotherapy and contributes to poor patient outcomes. Medicinal plants have been investigated as potential therapeutic options to enhance drug responsiveness and reduce resistance. Recent preclinical evidence indicates that plant-derived compounds may improve treatment efficacy and provide alternative strategies for patients with limited treatment options. Although these approaches are promising, challenges such as poor bioavailability and limited clinical trial data remain. Addressing these gaps is essential for translating laboratory findings into meaningful clinical benefit.
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, accounting for most relapses and contributing substantially to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Several molecular processes are linked to the development of resistance to anticancer drugs, with the most studied mechanisms including epigenetic changes, drug efflux, cell survival signalling pathways, and inactivation of anticancer drugs. Both intrinsic and acquired forms of resistance hinder tumour cell elimination, reducing treatment success. This translates to poorer patient outcomes and the need for more aggressive treatment regimens. Therefore, understanding these molecular processes is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of anticancer therapy. Medicinal plants offer potential to counter various resistance mechanisms through their diverse phytocompounds. These compounds may offer benefits including consistent availability, anticancer potency, few side effects, and minimal drug resistance. However, the bioavailability of these phytochemicals and the lack of extensive clinical trials remain key challenges. Therefore, this review provides in-depth information on the mechanisms that lead to drug resistance during cervical cancer therapy, the challenges related to phytochemical bioavailability, the current status, and future needs for clinical trials evaluating the application of medicinal plants to combat drug resistance in cancer cells.