KIU Publications

Recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance are significant issues in prostate cancermanagement. Evidence increasingly substantiates the notion that prostate cancer stemcells (PCSCs) initiate cancer, facilitate its progression, and complicate therapy. Thus,targeting PCSCs may provide a feasible strategy for addressing incurable or recurrentillnesses. Research indicates that natural compounds derived from medicinal plants andfoods may combat cancer, particularly by targeting cancer stem cells via modulationof signals from the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/Protein kinase B (AKT)/Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalingpathway. Nonetheless, the majority of these bioactive chemicals exhibit low solubilityin water, inadequately penetrate the circulation, and are rapidly eliminated by thebody before they can be effectively used in medical applications. Nanotechnologyhas enhanced the delivery, production, and targeting of certain natural products.Phytochemicals may be effectively administered to PCSCs inside tumours usingliposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, and exosomes. Moreover,stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms may be constructed to concurrently administer severalpharmaceuticals. This review analyses the function of PCSCs in prostate cancer,identifies key natural chemicals that target PCSCs, and evaluates the potential ofnanotechnology to amplify the efficacy of these natural products. Furthermore, weexamine current obstacles, unresolved enquiries, and anticipated trajectories for theimplementation of natural nanomedicine therapies in PCSCs.