The Role of Resveratrol as a Chemosensitizing Agent in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is highly resistant to chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has been shown to modulate pathways involved in chemoresistance. This review synthesizes preclinical evidence on the ability of resveratrol to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for in-vitro and in-vivo studies. We included studies that investigated the synergistic effects of combining resveratrol with standard chemotherapeutic agents on pancreatic cancer models.

Results: The review included 28 preclinical studies. The evidence consistently demonstrated that resveratrol synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin. Mechanistic studies showed that resveratrol inhibited NF-κB, modulated chemoresistance-related genes (MDR1), and promoted apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.

Discussion: There is strong preclinical rationale for the use of resveratrol as a chemosensitizing agent in pancreatic cancer. Its ability to target multiple resistance pathways makes it an attractive candidate for clinical translation.

Conclusion: Preclinical data strongly support resveratrol's potential to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.