Antineoplastic Action of CAPE in invitro model of glioma

Glial tumors comprise the largest group of the central nervous system tumors. Genetic heterogeneity of tumor, redundant and overlapping signal transduction pathways and limited drug delivery to the tumor are among several mechanisms underlying therapeutic failure. While primary brain tumors account for only 2% of all adult cancers, these neoplasms cause a disproportionate burden of cancer-related disability and death. The lookout for novel treatment strategies for these tumors has led to heightened interest and optimism among oncologists. Research on alternative therapeutic means of targeting malignant gliomas is of great importance since current treatments have proven ineffective in guaranteeing patients long-term survival. Drugs from natural extracts are found to have potential for long-term treatment with minimal side effects, by targeting multiple pathways in the glioma cells. These drugs are seen as a potential adjunct to the treatment of brain cancer. The use of herbal medicines is on the rise in cancer patients and it is imperative, to allow for the development of safe and efficacious anticancer therapies. Among all the newly developed anti-tumor agents, natural extracts with effective anticancer activities have been researched. The present study was aimed at elucidating the potential of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester [CAPE] for treating glioma. In vitro results suggest that CAPE when used in appropriate proportions and durations presents an antitumor potential for glioma. Here, we show that the CAPE exerts a strong antitumor action on C6 glioma cells .CAPE treatment inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis. Results suggest that CAPE therapy inhibits migratory property and invasiveness of C6 cells. The Nitric oxide [NO] levels were significantly reduced by CAPE treatment at all time points and effect was persistent over the time in comparison to control. The results in totality suggest that the CAPE therapy remarkably reduces the proliferation of glioma cells possibly through different mechanisms, targeting multiple pathways involved in tumor growth, proliferation and development implicating the relevance of using this drug for effective treatment of glioma. Invitro results suggest that CAPE treatment could be therapeutically exploited for the management of gliomas.