Curcumin as an Adjuvant Therapy in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties in preclinical models. This review systematically evaluates the clinical evidence for curcumin as an adjuvant therapy in CRC patients.

Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical studies. We included studies evaluating curcumin in combination with standard chemotherapy or as a standalone agent in CRC patients, assessing outcomes related to clinical response, toxicity, and biomarkers.

Results: Fifteen clinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that curcumin was well-tolerated with minimal toxicity. Several studies reported that adjuvant curcumin led to a reduction in chemotherapy-induced side effects, improved quality of life, and modulated inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and NF-κB. Evidence for improved tumor response was promising but inconsistent.

Discussion: Curcumin appears to be a safe adjuvant agent in CRC treatment, primarily offering benefits in reducing treatment-related toxicity and inflammation. Its direct impact on survival and tumor regression requires further confirmation in larger, more robust clinical trials.

Conclusion: Curcumin is a promising and safe adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer patients, particularly for improving tolerance to conventional treatments.